There have been at least five known instances of strangers following or trying to entice children into their vehicles over the past few weeks in Marion and Mahaska counties. That’s according to Marion County Sheriff Ron Goemaat. He says three of those instances involved a van pulling up close to the children with the driver talking to them. Goemaat reminds residents to always watch their children and have them know to never talk to or follow strangers. Both the Knoxville and Pella police department are also taking proper steps to keep the community safe.