New York State Police say a man was able to enter a home through an unlocked door in Canisteo early Sunday morning and attempt to abduct a young girl. As the police continue their search for the suspect, they are asking the public for two things: Any tips that may lead to an arrest and to always remember to lock your doors. Bill Mich has more.

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CANISTEO, N.Y. -- After the incident early Sunday morning, neighbors on East Main Street in Canisteo are understandably a little frightened.

"This doesn't happen here. We don't have crime. We don't have things that put us in the news pretty often. And this is pretty major," said Canisteo resident Maria Strinni Gill.

What happened was, according to police, a man illegally entered a home through an unlocked door and removed a ten-year-old girl from her bed. But after carrying her downstairs, he left the home without her.

"We believe, at this point, it is a random act. We don't have any other cases or instances similar to this in that community at this point. This is a singular incident at this point. There is no indication of it being linked to anything else," said Capt. Rick Allen of the New York State Police.

Police say they have gathered some physical evidence from the scene and are hoping to couple that with any information residents can provide to find the intruder. And while it is believed to be an isolated incident, neighbors and police say it can be a learning experience for the whole community.

"It's just a good reminder that no matter where you live, you can't be too careful and you can't be too vigilant. I think we get lulled into a false sense of security here," said Gill.

"It is always important to keep your doors locked. During the day, at night, when there is nobody there, even when you're there, lock your doors," said Allen.

Details remain very limited in the case but authorities did say the man was wearing a baseball hat at the time of the attempted abduction and continue to urge anyone with any information to call State Police at (607) 776-6866.