MATTHEWS, N.C. -- Several children in Mathews reported a group of men tried to lure them into a car just as they got off the bus Wednesday afternoon.

So on Thursday at least three Matthews police officers and a Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools officer cruised around the neighborhood as school buses began dropping off students, and parents headed out to meet their children in hopes of keeping them safe.

Brianna Mitchell, a sixth-grader at Mint Hill Middle School, was glad to see her mom at the bus stop. She said the incident on Wednesday was frightening.

“We ran. It was scary,” she said.

She and several of her classmates were getting off the bus at Sweetgum Lane when she says a white car pulled up with four Hispanic men inside, who asked if the young girls wanted candy. The children took off, but the car slowly followed behind them.

Witnesses told police the people in the car looked like teenagers. No one really knows if this was just a prank, but officers aren't laughing.

“We treat it as if it was the actual crime until we can prove otherwise, and even then we take it to the district attorney to see if we can pursue charges,” a Matthews police officer said.

Just last Thursday a student, also from Mint Hill Middle School, was nearly abducted at her bus stop in the Hickory Grove area of Charlotte. Parents said CMS sent a letter home, telling them a man grabbed the student and put a hand over the girl's mouth, but she was able to get away. Police are investigating whether the lurings could be connected.

Matthews police are conducting what they call zone checks, meaning officers will be more visible in the mornings and afternoons in this neighborhood.

Parents said police presence helps, but it doesn't quell all their fears.

“That makes you feel better that they're in the area and here watching over our kids, but I still won’t let mine play outside until I find out a little more about what’s going on,” said parent Becky Hudson.

Anyone who has seen a suspicious white car in the area should call Crime Stoppers at (704) 334-1600.