By John Tozzi
Letters went out in early February from MS 67 and PS 221, both on Marathon Parkway, and from PS 98 in Douglaston, after the Jan. 30 incident was reported, parents said.The incident took place just a few blocks from MS 67 in the vicinity of 244th Street and Thornhill Avenue, according to the letters. Two girls reportedly found an envelope and a dollar bill on the ground. After they opened the envelope and found explicit pictures inside, a man approached them, schools and police said.Schools said parents should discuss safety precautions with their children, including walking home in groups or with older children, staying away from unsupervised areas, not talking to strangers and immediately reporting suspicious activity.Police said the incident did not appear to be part of a pattern, but the area around Marathon Parkway south of Northern Boulevard has been a spot for concern in the recent past. In October and November 2005, students were offered rides home by strangers. Police have also made arrests for public lewdness and endangerment in the vicinity.In the January incident, police said, a report was taken but the students could not give a detailed description. While placing cash on the ground is known to be a tactic sometimes used by suspicious people approaching children, police said, this is the first case in the area fitting that description.Police also urged parents and students to use caution walking home, stay in groups, be aware of their surroundings and report any incidents. In response to concerns from parents and school officials, Community Affairs officers are visiting schools to discuss safety.Lt. Daniel Heffernan of the 111th Precinct also urged parents to call the precinct if they have any questions about after-school safety or want more information. Parents can reach the 111th Community Affairs office at 718-279-5295 or 718-279-0792.Reach reporter John Tozzi by e-mail at news@timesledger.com or by phone at 718-229-0300 Ext. 188.
