Inquiries after child approaches in Cootamundra

Police are investigating a reported child approach in the Cootamundra area, NSW Police say.

The most recent incident occurred yesterday, when a man allegedly approached a group of boys in Wallendoon Street, Cootamundra, about 2pm.

Police from Cootamundra Local Area Command have been told the man, aged in his 60s, attempted to speak with the boys but they walked away.

At this time, police do not believe an offence was committed; however, they are continuing inquiries.

Meanwhile, police are encouraging 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 incidents such as these, to call Crime Stoppers.

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