Police are urging parents to be vigilant as school holidays continue, with a reported child approach on the state's Mid North Coast.
About 4.30pm yesterday (Monday 7 October), a nine-year-old boy was with his family at a caravan park on Crowdy Street, Harrington when he went to a public toilet block.
Whilst in the cubicle, the boy noticed a mobile phone on the ground which he believed was on video mode. An unknown man in the next cubicle then picked the phone up and continued to film.
The boy left the toilet block and reported the incident to his parents.
Officers from Manning-Great Lakes Police District attended a short time later and searched the area; however could not locate the man.
He's described only as wearing black thongs with one toenail filed to a point; investigations are continuing.
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 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.
