Police are seeking public assistance to identify a man after a child was approached twice by the same man at a swimming centre in the Hawkesbury region.
Officers from Hawkesbury Police Area Command have been told a four-year-year-old boy was with his family at a South Windsor fitness centre about 4.40pm yesterday (Thursday 17 October 2019), when a man grabbed the child's arm as he walked past. A family member intervened and the man walked away.
A short time later, the boy and his 23-year-old brother entered the toilets and were confronted by the same man, who acted inappropriately towards the child.
The brother intervened and took the boy back to their mother. By the time the incidents were reported to police both the man and the family had left the complex.
An investigation is now underway and police have released a description of a man they believe can assist with inquiries. He is described as being aged between 40 and 50, of Asian appearance about 170cm tall and with a chubby build.
Anyone who has information about the incident, or who may know the man described, is urged to contact Windsor Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
This incident has again prompted police to encourage parents to discuss the 'Safe People, Safe Places' messages with their children, including;
- Make sure your parents or another adult you know knows where you are always.
- Always walk straight home or to the place you are walking to. Walk near busier roads and streets or use paths where there are lots of other people.
- Know where safe places are – a shop, service station, police station, library or school. If you are ever frightened, you should go to one of these places and ask them to call the police.
- Learn about safe adults you can look for and talk to if you need help – police officers, teachers at school, adults you know and trust.
- Don't talk to people you don't know and never get into a car with someone you don't know. If a car stops on the side of the road and you don't know the person inside, do not stop.
- If you are scared and can use a phone, call 000 and tell them you are scared.
- If someone tries to grab you, yell out, 'Go away, I don't know you'. This lets other people know you have been approached by someone you don't know.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.
