Police are urging parents to reiterate the importance of stranger danger to their children after a child was approached in Newcastle earlier this week.
Around 2.45pm on Monday (8 May 2017), a 10-year-old boy was waiting at a bus stop on High Street, Waratah when he was approached by an unknown man.
The man allegedly stood close to the boy and offered him a lift in a nearby parked car.
The boy declined and ran back into his school and advised staff who contacted police the following day.
Officers are investigating the incident and would like to speak with a man who may be able to assist with inquiries.
He is described as being about 20 to 30 years old, Caucasian appearance with a skinny build and about 178cm tall with facial stubble.
The man was last seen wearing a black leather jacket, an aqua coloured shirt, blue jeans and black shoes.
He was also carrying a black satchel bag at the time and pointed to a parked grey, older model Subaru wagon when he spoke to the boy.
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.
