COLLIER COUNTY, Fla. -- The Collier County Sheriff's Office is reminding the community to be aware of strangers while in parking lots, but deny recent reports that there have been attempted abductions in the area.
In a Facebook post on Thursday, the sheriff's office says video being shared on social media warns of people approaching shoppers in a parking lot to ask for money, but implies it's really an effort to kidnap people.
CCSO says there have not been any reported attempted abductions in Collier County recently.
However, they do offer the following advice to remain safe in parking lots:
- ALWAYS be aware of your surroundings- no matter where you are- in our community or anywhere else you travel. Trust your instincts, have your keys or fob ready to unlock your car and have kids stay with you when walking to your car.
- If something seems suspicious to you, call 911 in an emergency or the Collier County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line at (239) 252-9300.
- Teach and review with your young kids and teens the safety fundamentals: be aware, don't talk to strangers, have a safety plan and/or safety code word if you get separated or lost.
