The Sarasota Police Department is investigating an attempted kidnapping Sunday night on Lido Beach.
A 51-year-old woman had just parked her rental car in a Lido Beach parking lot at 400 Ben Franklin Drive when a man approached her. While walking north on the beach and talking to a friend on the phone, the man put a towel over her head from behind, police officials said. She was able to escape with minor injuries.
The area will have an increased police presence, but officers are asking residents to use the following tips when they’re alone or it’s dark outside:
- Let someone know when you’re traveling
- Make sure to have your cell phone with you
- Avoid using headphones
- Travel with a friend or dog
- Change your travel routes and times you travel to a location