Students, parents and teachers who attend St. Thomas and Felix Leclerc high schools are rattled after two abduction attempts in two weeks.

The latest occurred Wednesday morning as a 13-year-old girl was walking to class.

The red van that she described matches the description of the vehicle in the kidnapping attempt that happened last week, four kilometres away.

Taking no chances

Police on Thursday were taking no chances.

Commander Jacquelin St-Pierre said they were stopping many cars, including a red van, that went near the schools Thursday morning.

"If you have a red minivan in the area maybe we have to check this car, this person. And if we have received some information for investigation we have to check everything," said St-Pierre.

Commander St-Pierre has ordered increased patrols around all schools in district 5 covering Pointe Claire and Dorval, but squad cars were particularly visible at Felix Leclerc in a bid to calm fears and reassure the public.

Still, more parents than usual are driving their kids to and from school:

The latest attempt

The 13-year-old girl was on her way to the school just after 9 a.m. Wednesday when a man in a red minivan stopped at the corner of Westbank and Duke of Kent Aves.

He offered the girl a ride to school - she refused. The driver then grabbed her and tried to drag her into his vehicle.

She broke free and ran to school, and reported the incident to the principal.

The school administration immediately contacted police.

The victim was taken to hospital to be treated for shock and a minor injury to her arm.

School board warning

The principal of Felix Leclerc was in the school's yard on Thursday to talk to students, and to hand them a notice urging them and their parents to take precautions.

In addition the Lester B. Pearson School Board issued an advisory on its website, reminding parents and students to be extra vigilant when going to and from school.

"LBPSB continues to ask everyone to exercise caution," said the statement.

"It is especially important to remind all young people not to talk to any strangers if approached."

Anyone with information on the alleged incidents is asked to contact the INFO-Crime hotline at 514-393-1133.

Barring an arrest, police say they'll maintain their heightened vigilance morning, noon and afternoon at least until the end of next week, then re-evaluate progress in the investigation.