FOUR cases of teenage girls in Dartford being approached by strangers in cars have been reported to police in the last few days.

The girls aged 12 to 18 were invited to get in by the male occupants, according to reports.

None of the girls were touched or harmed and all ignored the vehicles and reported the incidents.

Police patrols are being stepped up and residents are asked to remain vigilant but not to panic as such approaches are rare.

Safety steps that can be taken include:

• stick to well lit, busy areas and avoid shortcuts through isolated ones

• avoid travelling alone at night, plan your route before you go and let others know where you're going and when you'll be back

• be alert to what's going on around you by, for example, not listening to MP3 players through headphones or speaking too long on the phone.

Anything suspicious should be reported to police on 999 if it is an emergency or life is in danger, or 101 if it is not an emergency.