A US mayor has sparked a widespread panic after warning people of human traffickers that are allegedly lurking around in vans and kidnapping children for their body parts.
The frenzy in Baltimore, Maryland, started shortly after Mayor Jack Young issued a stern warning in which he urged people to be alert and avoid “white vans” because they could belong to human traffickers.
While the rumors haven’t been confirmed by the police, the mayor insists that “we have to really be careful, because there’s so much evil going on.”
“We’re getting reports of somebody in a white van trying to snatch up young girls for human trafficking and for selling body parts, I’m told,” he said in an interview with WBAL-TV 11 News.
“So we have to really be careful, because there’s so much evil going on, not just in the city of Baltimore, but around the country.
“Citizens are, it’s all over Facebook, and that’s something that our police officers are aware of, because it’s been reported.”
Meanwhile, members of the police have spoken out to CNN Business and claimed that they’re not aware of any actual reports of kidnapping involving vans.
Nevertheless, Young urged the netizens to stay alert and “look at your surroundings and make sure you keep your cellphone in case somebody tries to abduct you.”
While the police stated no related reports have been made, recent incidents in other states suggest that van kidnappings could pose a real threat.
Just last month, the Newnan Police Department in Georgia stated two cases involving suspicious white van activity were being investigated.
“Newnan Police Department does not want internet rumors to spread and cause panic. Please remind your family to be cautious of strangers and, as always, report any suspicious activity IMMEDIATELY by calling 911,” they wrote.
As for New Jersey, one mother alleged that her 9-year-old son almost got kidnapped by several men who approached him while driving a white van. However, this rumor also wasn’t confirmed.
While the panic on social media continues to spread due to people sharing unconfirmed rumors and pictures of ‘suspicious’ parked vans, the authorities are urging the public to remain calm and not fall to conclusions too fast.
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