Police appeal after child approached – Coffs Harbour
Monday, 10 August 2015 12:55:23 PM
Police are appealing for witnesses after a child was approached in Coffs Harbour last week.
About 8.45am (Thursday 6 August 2015), a 10-year-old boy was walking on Beryl Street near the intersection of Taldra Street, when the driver of a Toyota Camry beeped the horn and flashed the head lights, before stopping near him.
The driver, a woman, spoke to the boy. She then got out of the Camry and approached him, the boy became afraid and walked away from her.
On arriving at school he informed his teacher who contacted police.
Officers from Coffs/Clarence Local Area Command attended and commenced an investigation.
Police would like to speak to anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has information that may assist with their inquiries.
The woman was described to officers as being of African appearance, aged between 20 and 30, 160cm tall, with dark shoulder length hair and she was wearing green long sleeve shirt with a white shirt over the top.
Police are urging anyone with information in relation to these incidents to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.
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.
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