By VDC staff

Berlin police say investigators have found no indication of a credible or ongoing threat to the public following a report of an attempted kidnapping involving a child.

With school starting this week, parents are particularly alert to person-to-person and online reports of threats to their children.

The Berlin Police Department issued an update Tuesday after concerns about the reported incident began circulating in the community and on social media.

Officers from the Berlin and Montpelier police departments responded and investigated the report. Police said that when officers were initially notified, they had very limited specific information about the circumstances, making it difficult to immediately determine what had occurred.

“Officers followed up on the information provided and investigated the circumstances to the extent possible,” Berlin police said.

Based on the information and evidence currently available, investigators said they have found “no indication of a credible or ongoing threat to the general public.”

Police acknowledged that reports involving children and possible kidnappings can be especially alarming to parents and other residents but urged the public not to rely on speculation.

“We ask residents to avoid relying on social media speculation or unverified information, as it can quickly create unnecessary fear and confusion,” police said.

The incident remains documented, and police said investigators will conduct additional follow-up if credible new information becomes available.

Anyone with specific information concerning the reported incident is encouraged to contact the Berlin Police Department.