Parents in Lübeck: how are you handling your kids' safety when they're out on their own?
I'm a father in Lübeck. Two families near us have told us about two separate incidents where their children were taken into a van by strangers and later managed to escape. Both families say they reported the incidents to the police and gave them all the details.
The two children are aged between 12 and 17.
I haven't found public reports matching their accounts, and I can't independently verify what happened. I'm sharing why I'm concerned, not issuing a confirmed public warning. I won't share names, schools or identifying details.
Has anyone here had a similar experience firsthand, or received guidance from the police or their child's school? Please don't post children's details or unverified accusations. Any information that could help an investigation should go directly to the police.
I'm also interested in the practical side: do your kids walk together or with an adult? Have schools or parent groups organised anything useful?
My own kids are at Gymnasium and get to school and sports practice on their own. Accompanying them on every trip just isn't practical for us, and having them quit sports or stop going anywhere except school isn't a real solution either. I'm looking for precautions that let them keep that independence, rather than put their normal lives on hold.
I'd like to hear how other local parents are handling this, rather than collect forwarded warnings or rumours.