Child approach – Ballina
Friday, 13 November 2015 01:20:02 PM
Police are investigating a report of a child approach in Ballina yesterday.
Just after 7pm, (Thursday 12 November 2015), a 10-year-old boy was in the car park of a shopping centre on Kerr Street.
Police have been told a man walked towards the boy, gesturing and shouting for the child to come to him.
The boy ran back to his family’s car, where his mother was waiting for him.
They returned to their home and reported the incident to police about 9.15pm.
Officers from Richmond Local Area Command are investigating the incident, and appealing for information about a man who may be able to assist with their inquiries.
The man is described as being of Caucasian appearance, aged in his late 20s or early 30s, about 183cm tall, with a thin build, brown beard, and short, brown, curly hair.
At the time of the incident, the man was reported to be wearing a long, black-sleeve shirt and red board shorts.
Police are urging anyone with information in relation to this incident 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.
English