Reports of suspicious activities around schools circulate on social media

LAS CRUCES - Emphasizing awareness rather than alarm, the Las Cruces Public Schools issued a letter to student families across the school district on Tuesday in response to reports, circulated on social media, of suspicious activities around local schools.

Among the anecdotes shared by concerned citizens was a description of a white van in the vicinity of Sierra Middle School that allegedly followed a child until she she took shelter at a neighboring home. The incident was reported to Las Cruces police.

The district's letter, sent to the families of students enrolled at each school, is signed by the respective school principal.

The district confirmed that no schools are on altered schedules or shelter-in-place orders, but that all schools were practicing "heightened security."

"All LCPS security guards and school resource officers are on heightened alert, and we have instructed all staff to be hyper-vigilant," the schools' letter states. "When visiting our campus, please be respectful of our safety protocols and understand that they exist to ensure the safety of your child."

The letter assures families that these are precautionary measures and repeats standing advice about personal security:

"We also encourage you to take some time to talk to your child about general safety, 'stranger danger,' and the importance of being aware of their surroundings. Please speak to your child about the importance of being able to identify a trusted adult at their school, and instruct them to report anything suspicious to that person."

At noon on Wednesday, police have reported no charges in connection with suspicious incidents described on social media.

Algernon D'Ammassa can be reached at 575-541-5451, adammassa@lcsun-news.com or @AlgernonActor on Twitter.