Barrington Cops Investigate Reports of Man Photographing Children

Two suspicious incidents involving a man taking photos of children have been reported in the last two weeks, leading police to launch an investigation and seek information from the public.

“We have our patrol division and unmarked cars patrolling in areas with high concentrations of kids, like daycares and schools,” interim Police Chief Dave Dorn said Thursday.   

But Dorn is asking parents to be more diligent in observing any suspicious activity and contact Barrington police at 847-304-3300 with any information.

Witnesses provided police with a description of a white or Hispanic man in his late 40s or early 50s in a maroon, older model sedan. Investigators have pieced together partial information on the license plate, which start with “370,” Dorn said.

The first report was made on May 31, he said. Another report was filed on June 4, he said. The incidents occurred on Prairie Avenue and West Russell and Hough streets.

In the first situation, the man was spotted taking photos of children with a camera, Dorn said. In the June 4 incident, the man asked a parent if he could take photos of a child.

Detectives are working on tracking down information on the license plate, but Dorn is asking for the public’s assistance as well.

Barrington police have been looking into registered sex offenders in the area but do not know the man’s motivation, Dorn said.

“The bottom line is we are taking what the individual is doing seriously and we are looking at it as a disorderly conduct,” he said, due to the alarming nature of the man’s actions.

Dorn also wants to raise awareness in the community about the situation.