Police are appealing for public assistance after a child was approached by a man in West Bathurst this morning, NSW Police say.
About 8.45am (Tuesday 7 November 2017), police have been told three boys, aged 12, 11, and 10, were at the gates of a school on Pacific Way, when a car stopped and a man got out.
The man spoke to the boys who ran off.
A short time later, a nine-year-old boy was waiting at the gates when the man got out and approached him.
The man spoke to the boy who ran off.
Officers from Chifley Local Area Command patrolled the area but were unable to locate the man or the car.
Police would like to speak with a man who may be able to assist with inquiries.
He is described as being of Caucasian appearance, aged between 50 and 60, of a chubby build, with short grey hair, and last seen wearing a black and white chequered shirt.
The car is described as being a silver or grey sedan, possibly a Toyota Camry.
Any witnesses who saw anything suspicious in the area is urged to come forward.
Meanwhile, the 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 at all times.
- 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.
Police are urging anyone with information in relation to this incident to call Crime Stoppers.
