Man charged over child approach in Miranda

A man has been charged after an alleged child approach in Sydney’s south.

About 3.30pm yesterday, two 11-year-old girls were on Kimberley Place, Miranda, when they were allegedly approached by a 23-year-old man who initiated a conversation with them.

The girls ran away however a short time later saw the man again near Forest Road, Miranda, and ran away from him again.

One of the girls ran to a nearby house and knocked on the door for help. The 23-year-old man allegedly followed her and was approached by the occupant of the house who called police.

Police from Miranda Local Area Command attended and a short time later arrested the 23-year-old man on the Kingsway, Gymea.

He was taken to Miranda Police Station and charged with stalk/intimidate intend to cause fear of physical harm and offensive behaviour.

He was refused bail to appear at Sutherland Local Court today.

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, NSW Police say.

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