Attempted Abductions & Indecent Assaults of Children

Each year, as part of Day for Daniel I give a talk to school children about how to keep themselves safe and avoid abduction and how to protect themselves from being harmed by anyone. This is something every parent needs to talk to their children about. Don't think it can't happen to your child - it can happen anywhere, to any child, of any age. If you give them the tools to know what to do in a situation where they may become unsafe then there's a greater chance they will foil a potential abduction.

I decided to start a page about abduction attempts, as they happen almost EVERY DAY around Australia. Most are unsuccessful, as children are more aware of how to get away and that's wonderful but I hope this page will illustrate to parents just how many abduction attempts there are are how the abductors target children.

This page will also feature reports of where strangers attempt to speak to children and where children are attacked by strangers plus I will include some attempted abductions of adults.

Once again I make this basic plea - DO NOT LET CHILDREN WALK TO AND FROM SCHOOL ALONE. This is by FAR the most common time an abductor will attempt to grab a child. Whatever you do, you make sure they are not alone at this time and this includes teenagers. Do you think your teenager would be able to fight off a 100kg grown man? Or two of them?

Look at the times on all the reports - 3:15, 3:30, 3:45pm, 4pm - predators are choosing this time when children have just left school and are walking home alone.

Check the links page for criminologist Dale Jackson's website (or click here) - I highly recommend every family buys a copy of his book Protecting Kids Made Simple, this will give you the information you need to explain things to your children in a way that they will understand and remember.

Click this link to read about the QLD Child Protection Offender Register

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*NOTE - as there have been a massive number of attempted abductions and children approached in recent months, I am going to move the older ones to a new page HERE. Below will contain only the most recent cases.

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Man charged over allegedly inciting boys to perform acts of indecency – Rooty Hill

Tuesday, 09 Mar 2010 05:23am

Police from the Mt Druitt Local Area Command have charged a man after he allegedly offered school boys money to perform sex acts yesterday.

Police will allege the 35-year-old man drove past a 17-year-old student who was waiting outside his school in Rooty Hill about 11.50am.

The boy told police the man parked his car and approached him offering to perform a sexual act. The teenager declined and the man left.

About 20 minutes later it’s alleged the same man, driving his vehicle, approached a 16-year-old male in Railway Street, Rooty Hill. The man allegedly waved the boy over to his car, but the teenager kept walking.

Becoming concerned, the 16-year-old entered the grounds of a hospital, but the man followed. He stopped the boy and propositioned him, offering him money. The boy declined and told the man his father was coming to pick him up.

The man drove away.

The boys reported the matter to Mt Druitt Police. After further inquires, the 35-year-old attended Mt Druitt Police Station where he was subsequently charged with two counts of incite to conduct act of indecency.

He was refused bail and will appear in Mt Druitt Local Court today.

Man charged over alleged child sex grooming – Mt Druitt

Tuesday, 09 Mar 2010 05:12am

Police from the Mt Druitt Local Area Command have charged a man after he allegedly attempted to groom a child for sexual activity via the social networking site, Facebook.

Police will allege the 27-year-old man made contact with an 11-year-old girl via the site on Sunday March 7.

The young girl accepted the man as a friend on the site allowing him access to her personal information and photographs.

Numerous messages were sent between the two before the man arranged a location for the two to meet, allegedly for sexual activity.

The girl told her mother about the man and police from Mt Druitt were informed.

Yesterday (Monday 8 March) police attended a park in Emerton where they arrested the man and took him to Mt Druitt Police Station where a search warrant was applied for.

A search of the man’s Bidwill home was conducted and a computer was seized.

The man was charged with travel to meet child groomed for sexual activity.

He was given bail and will appear in Mt Druitt Local Court on March 30.

Boy indecently assaulted at playground- Parramatta

Friday, 05 Mar 2010 05:10am

A man will appear in court this morning charged with the indecent assault of a young boy in Parramatta (NSW) yesterday afternoon.

About 4.40pm, the four-year-old boy was in a playground in Church Street Mall with his mother and siblings.

A man sitting on nearby bench, called the boy over and allegedly put his arm around him. The man then allegedly kissed the boy on the face a number of times.

The child’s mother saw the incident and yelled at the man, who then walked from the scene.

She called triple zero and officers from Parramatta Local Area Command traced the man to a nearby shopping centre and arrested him.

The 37-year-old man from Parramatta has been charged with aggravated indecent assault of a child under the age of 16 years.

He has been refused bail and will appear in Parramatta Local Court later today.

Boy approached by man in van - Narraweena

Thursday, 04 Mar 2010 05:35am

Police are warning the public after a young boy was approached by a man on Sydney’s northern beaches yesterday.

Sometime between 3pm and 3.30pm, a 13-year-old boy was riding his bike home from school when he stopped outside a house in Alfred Street, Narraweena, in order to fix problems with his bike.

Whilst fixing the bike, a man exited a white van and approached the boy, offering him a lift.

The boy immediately got on his bike and rode away.

The man is described as being white/European appearance, 40-50 years old, 170-180cm tall, medium to well built, with a bald head, clean shaven and a stud on his left earlobe and ear-ring on his right earlobe.

The van is described as having a flat front, with an old looking paint job. No registration was sighted by the boy.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Dee Why police via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Girl indecently assaulted by stranger - Corrimal

Thursday, 04 Mar 2010 05:41am

NSW Police are investigating the indecent assault of a schoolgirl near Wollongong yesterday.

Shortly after 8am, the 16-year-old girl was walking to school along Aldridge Avenue, Corrimal, when she was approached by an unknown man.

The man grabbed the girl and indecently assaulted her before she pushed him away and ran from the scene.

The man was last seen walking in the opposite direction, east along Aldridge Avenue.

The man is described as being of white/European appearance, about 170cm tall, with a thin build, with grey hair in a comb over, with sideburns and stubble. At the time he was wearing a dirty dark grey jacket and knee-length white pants.

Anyone with information on the incident is urged to contact Wollongong Police on (02) 4226 7899 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Police investigate possible abduction attempt in Croydon

Thursday, 04 March 2010 01:01

Victorian Police are investigating an incident which they believe may have been an attempted abduction of a student in Croydon yesterday afternoon.

Around 3.20pm the 15-year-old girl was walking home from school along Surrey Road when she was approached from behind by a man driving a vehicle.

As she continued east the vehicle drew level with her and the driver asked the girl to get in the car as he would give her a lift home.

After asking the girl a second time, the victim threatened to call police and she pulled her mobile phone from her bag.

The man drove off but as the victim had her head down in fear during the incident, there are no known descriptions of either the vehicle or the alleged offender.

Once the girl arrived home, she described the ordeal to her parents who subsequently reported the matter to police.

Anyone with information regarding the incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppers.com.au

Attempted Abduction, Paradise Point:

Last Updated: 02/03/2010

QLD Police are appealing for the public’s assistance with locating a man who attempted to abduct a 15-year-old girl yesterday near the intersection of Paradise Parade and Nankeen Avenue at Paradise Point. Around 2.45pm the man, driving a black four door car, drove past the girl and then turned around at a roundabout and drove back towards her. The man approached the girl who was walking and offered to give her a lift home. The girl declined his offer and kept walking east along Paradise Parade. The man then reversed his vehicle and threatened the girl to get into the car. The girl refused again and ran home and contacted police. The man was last seen facing westward on Paradise Parade towards the roundabout at Bruce Avenue. The man is described as being in his mid 20’s; of Caucasian appearance with short brown hair, medium build, and wearing a white short sleeve t-shirt. He was driving a black four door sedan or hatchback. Anyone with information which could assist police with their investigations should contact Crime Stoppers anonymously via 1800 333 000 or crimestoppers.com.au 24hrs a day.

Recording in breach of privacy charges, Thornlands:

Last Updated: 02/03/2010

QLD Police have charged a 35-year-old Townsville man with three charges of recording in breach of privacy and two counts of possession of tainted property following an incident at a swimming carnival on the week-end. It is alleged the man attended a children’s swimming event at Thornlands around 3pm on Sunday and allegedly took a number of photographs of participants. He is due to appear in the Cleveland Magistrates Court on April 12.

Friday 19-Feb-2010 (1620 hrs CST)

Stranger Danger Reminder – Incident in Nakara

Northern Territory Police are reminding parents to talk to children about ‘Stranger Danger’ following another report of an incident in Nakara.

This incident is not believed to be related to the report earlier this week involving a 12 year old boy in Jingili.

Police received a report yesterday afternoon from the mother of a 14-year-old girl who claims to have been approached by a Caucasian male in Nakara on Monday of this week.

It is unclear at this stage what the circumstances are surrounding this approach and Police are keen to speak with the Caucasian male to ascertain the details resulting in this report being brought to Police attention.

The 14 year-old girl is described by her mother as appearing much older than she is due to her height.

He is described as Caucasian male in his mid-twenties, blue, round eyes with tanned skin. His face is described as “long with a big narrow nose” and dark blonde, untidy hair of medium length.

He was wearing a white and navy blue shirt at the time of the incident yesterday.

His motor vehicle is described as a fairly new, good condition white dual cab Ute with a tray back.

The girl recalls a circular logo on the vehicle door that may have mentioned plumbing.

Superintendent John Ginnane clarified there appears no connection between this incident and the incident reported earlier this week in Jingili. However, he urges parents to reiterate the ‘Stranger Danger’ message to their children if they haven’t done so already,

“I ask all parents across the Territory to sit down with their children and remind them of the four ‘R’s:
• Recognise the danger
• Refuse any offer
• Run away
• Report it to the first person they feel safe with.

“These incidents occurred in a public places, away from school premises. However, additional patrols will be working around schools especially at the start and finish of the school day.

“School Based Police are working closely with the Department of Education and will be continuing to deliver personal safety education sessions to pupils.

“In both the incidents reported this week in the Northern Suburbs, both the victims involved did exactly the right thing and followed the four R’s.” Supt Ginnane said.

Anyone with information in relation to either of these incidents or who may have seen someone matching the description in the Nakara area around 15:30 on Monday 15 February 2010 should contact Police immediately on 131 444.

Attempt abduction - Alice Springs - 4473676

Friday 19-Feb-2010 (1420 hrs CST)

NT Police are appealing for assistance from the public to identify two men who allegedly approached an 11-year-old boy near the Gillen Club last Saturday.

Police received a report on Sunday night that two men in a silver Nissan Navara tried to get the boy to get into their car. The boy told police he was riding his scooter on the footpath near the Gillen Club around 6.15pm on Saturday night when the car drove out of the club carpark.

The boy said the male driver pulled up across the road from him near the corner of Milner Road and Palmer Street . One of the men yelled out to the boy that his parents had sent them to collect him and he should get into the car. When the boy kept riding his scooter, the driver put his car into reverse and started driving backwards to keep up with the child. The boy told police the car drove off when a jogger approached.

The driver of the vehicle is described as a Caucasian male aged 18 or 19, skinny build, with short light brown hair and wearing a white collarless t-shirt. He was also wearing a pair of white Oakley sunglasses. The passenger is described as being about 21-year-old with black hair and wearing a black and red cap. He is described as being of Aboriginal appearance, with a moustache and small goatee. He was wearing a black Nike collarless t-shirt.

Superintendent Sean Parnell said the boy should be commended for abiding by the Stranger Danger warnings.

“The victim did everything right and followed the four R rules of Stranger Danger:
Recognise the danger
Refuse any offer
Run away
Report it to the first person they feel safe with.

“He also had the presence of mind to take notice of the offenders and was able to give us very good descriptions of the men. Police are examining CCTV footage from the Gillen Club in an effort to identify the offenders.”

“We are also appealing to anyone who may have seen the incident or who may recognise the description of the two men and their car to come forward. Police would also like to speak to anyone jogging in the area around the time of the offence. Anyone with information should phone police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.”

Thursday 18-Feb-2010 (1630 hrs CST)

Attempted abduction - 4475746

Police are continuing investigations into an attempted abduction that occurred on Monday 15 February in Jingili.
The 11-year-old male youth was travelling home from Moil Primary School on his bicycle along Rothdale Road to a small laneway intersecting Borella Circuit.
On turning into Borella Circuit, it is alleged that the boy was approached by a motor vehicle which stopped ahead of him.
The male driver told the boy to enter the vehicle, however the boy then turned and rode away from the area, returned to his home in Rapid Creek and told his mother.
His mother then in turn contacted the boy’s school and police.
The male offender is described to be of Aboriginal appearance and at the time of the offence had slurred speech (possibly intoxicated) and was wearing a grey shirt.
It is also believed that he may have a tattoo or a similar mark on his left forearm.
The vehicle he was driving is believed to be a dark coloured older model twin cab utility (rust showing), had manual windows, an untidy appearance and had a dog in the rear seat.
Superintendent John Ginnane said that the youth did the right thing by fleeing the scene.
“It is times like this we need to emphasize the importance of talking to your children about the danger that some strangers pose, especially when they are offering a lift or looking for a missing pet.
“I urge all children, should they encounter a person like this, to run away and find a safe adult, teacher or police officer to report it to.
“I highly commend this boy for his actions” he said.

“Police acknowledge that there was a mistake in the data entry of this job.
Police also acknowledge that this is indeed a very serious matter and an investigation is underway to determine exactly how the mistake occurred.
Members are now working closely with the mother and victim to bring the offender to justice” said Supt Ginnane.

Police urge anyone that may recognise these descriptions, or who may have witnessed the event, to please contact them on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Cops hunt abductors, van, after 14-year-old girl fights off would-be abductors in Brighton East

Staff writers
From: Herald Sun
February 26, 2010 1:04AM

UPDATE 12.20pm: POLICE fear two men who tried to snatch a schoolgirl in Melbourne's bayside suburbs using a van without plates will strike again.

The teenager fought off the brazen daylight abduction attempt by two men in a van without number plates in Brighton East yesterday.

The 14-year-old was walking home from school in Union St, near Mackie St, when the distincitive white van pulled up next to her about 3.45pm, police said.

It is believed two men were inside the van, which police said resembled a Citroen Berlingo (pictured above).

One of the men apparently climbed out of the passenger side of the van, grabbed the victim by her shoulders and told her to get in the car.

But the girl dropped to the ground and threw dirt at the man’s face before hitting him with a stick.

The man ran back to the van, which drove away.

Police praised the actions of the girl, which they say certainly saved her from further danger.

Det-Sgt Andrew Collison said the girl had been working with police to produce a face image to help track down her would-be abductors.

He said while the current incident was unrelated to other recent abduction attempts in Melbourne, officers were worried the attackers will strike again.

Police have distributed letters and images of the van to people in the area in a bid to track the men down.

“The thing about this is that it has happened at a time of day that there would have been a fair bit of vehicle or pedestrian traffic,” he told Radio 3AW this morning.

“We’re hoping someone would have seen the van, or the girl and can come forward and help us.”

Anyone with information should contact Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.

Police said the man is around 30 years old, with a dark complexion, very white teeth, and short, curly black hair. He is about 190cm tall. He was wearing all black clothing and a chunky gold-coloured bracelet.

The driver of the van was wearing a cap.

The van has two rear-opening panelled doors and is similar in appearance to a Citroen Berlingo two-door style van.

The incident comes as police released a face image of a man sought over a separate attempted kidnapping in the north of the state. He was foiled after the girl employed a defensive karate kick.

The 15-year-old schoolgirl escaped a pair of would-be kidnappers in Shepparton by kicking one of them in the genitals.

Police are still hunting for the attackers, and say it was lucky the girl had been taught self-defence techniques that may have saved her from harm.

Attempted abduction in Shepparton

Friday, 26 February 2010 11:31

Police investigating the attempted abduction of a 15-year-old school girl in Shepparton on Tuesday 23 February have released a FACE image of a man they believe could assist with their enquiries.

Police are requesting anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppers.com.au

Schoolgirl fights off would-be kidnappers on walk home from school, police release image of suspected attacker

Elissa Doherty, Matt Schulz
From: Herald Sun
February 26, 2010 12:44PM

UPDATE 12.45pm: POLICE have released a picture of a man wanted in connection with an attempted abduction foiled by a schoolgirl's well-aimed karate kick.

Police have launched a hunt for the attackers after the incident, and say it was lucky the girl had been taught self-defence techniques that may have saved her from harm.

According to police, the 15-year-old was walking along a Shepparton street about 3.40pm when a light green Holden Commodore pulled up in front of her in Nolan Court.

Police said the girl had noticed the two men of Aboriginal appearance following her in the car, shortly before the attempted abduction.

“As she’s walked past the vehicle, the male passenger has jumped out of the vehicle, grabbed her and tried to drag her into the car,” Shepparton Detective Sen-Constable Gavin Seach told Radio 3AW today.

He said the attacker grabbed her arm and around the neck.

The girl kicked the would-be kidnapper in the genitals during her desperate struggle, before her attacker got back into the car, which sped off. The girl contacted police soon after.

Detective Seach the girl's defence classes had paid off.

"She's actually taken defensive lessons and has been taught where to kick and has managed to get free," he told ABC radio today.

The passenger in the incident is described as a tall man in his 20s, who was unshaven, with a possible moustache and bad teeth.

The girl escaped serious injury. Police have described the attack as an "isolated incident".

And in another recent incident, a nine-year-old boy has been allegedly bashed by a stranger as he walked along in the Yarra Valley as he walked home from school.

“Janine” told Radio 3AW today that her son was left with a bloody nose, but the reason for the attack appears to be a complete mystery.

“That’s the scary thing. He never said a word to him. He didn’t try to take (anything).”

She said her son was so traumatised that he now needed to be picked up from school.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.

Girl abducted by 'monster' endured 'living hell'

February 25, 2010

The family of a six-year-old girl abducted from her home in the NSW Riverina has described her ordeal at the hands of a "monster" as a "living hell".

The girl was playing alone in the front yard of her Macleay Street home at Mount Austin, a suburb of Wagga Wagga, when she was grabbed by an unknown man about 11.30am on February 14.

He forced her into a white, late-model Toyota Hilux dual cab utility - with NSW registration plates starting with BD or DB, and then drove off with her, police said.

About 90 minutes later the girl was released.

The girl's uncle, asked to be known only as Peter to protect her identity, has joined police to appeal for public help to find the man.

"A week ago our family's lives changed forever when our gorgeous niece was taken from us while playing out the front of her home - a place all of us think is safe," he said in a statement read to media in Wagga Wagga today.

"The hour or so before she was returned to us could only be described as a living hell.

"No other child should have to go through this type of torture.

"My niece's life has forever been changed by one man's cruel act.

"She's been left extremely traumatised and no longer feels safe at home, which was once a safe haven.

"What do you say to a young girl to ease her pain and suffering after such a frightening ordeal?"

Police have not said what the girl endured during her abduction.

Her uncle urged anyone with information which may help find her abductor to contact police.

The man has been described as about 40 years old, of medium build, with light-coloured receding hair.

"The best thing we can do now is to catch the monster who did this to my niece before another innocent child is harmed," Peter said.

"I'd appeal to anyone with information about this incident to contact police immediately.

"No matter how small or insignificant the information might be, it might be the missing link police need to catch the person responsible.

"I'd ask you to think about your own loved ones. How would you feel if they fell victim to such a callous attack?"

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Uncle pleads for child abduction leads

Posted Fri Feb 26, 2010 11:35am AEDT - ABC

A Wagga man says people should report friends or relatives with similar cars to the man who abducted his niece, even if they have no suspicion.

A man believed to be aged 35 to 45 dragged the six-year-old girl into a late model white dual-cab utility on Macleay Street on Sunday, February 14 and returned her 90 minutes later.

The girl's uncle, Peter, says his niece is extremely traumatised and no longer feels safe at home.

"I'd ask you to think about your own loved ones. How would you feel if they fell victim to such a callous attack?" he said.

"Finally I'd like to thank the detectives who are working day and night to catch the offender. Like us they won't sleep until he's locked up. I'd also like to sincerely thank the public and media for their assistance."

He says the time she was missing was a living hell and no other family should suffer the same.

"Someone out there must know something. If you know somebody who fits the description who drives a utility like that described, come forward, even if you believe that person is innocent, let the police eliminate them," he said.

Acting Superintendent Rod Smith says police are still making exhaustive inquiries 12 days after the abduction.

"The further we go on, there are certainly lines of inquiry or information we've received that may indicate to us that he's local but in saying that, we're not hanging our hat on that. It could be the case that he's from outside of Wagga, it might be a visitor to Wagga, who knows?" he said.

Update on child abduction at Wagga Wagga

Wednesday, 17 Feb 2010 03:07pm

Strike Force Shell, consisting of detectives from Wagga Wagga Local Area Command and the State Crime Command, are continuing their investigation into the abduction of a six-year-old child at Wagga on Sunday.

“The response from the public has been excellent and we are encouraging people to continue ringing in with information,” Acting Superintendent Rod Smith said.

“We are still awaiting the results of medical tests conducted upon the victim. Detectives have spent a lot of time with the victim and her mother, however have not yet finished speaking with the child and her family.

“Video recorded re-enactments have been conducted in an attempt to reconstruct the event. At this stage, police are making progress, however we have not yet identified the man responsible for the attack.”

Acting Superintendent Smith praised the public and media for their ongoing assistance but asked for an end to unhelpful speculation.

“We are very appreciative of the support provided by all media outlets in helping us to identify this utility and the offender. By maximising the media coverage of this matter we can maximise the number of people in the community who are keeping a close look out for the vehicle and the offender.

“However we would ask that the media give consideration to the victim and her family when reporting information.

“Several media outlets have reported what may have happened during the time the child was abducted. This has included reports that she was indecently assaulted and sexually assaulted.

“NSW Police will not confirm what happened to the child and would request the media not to speculate about this.

“The reporting of this information has understandably caused the family considerable stress. The fact is that the child was abducted by someone we believe to be a stranger. That is bad enough.

“Police have two main priorities right now – protecting the welfare and identity of the child, and finding the offender so he can be brought before a court.

“Speculation as to what happened to the child does not advance the investigation and has an adverse impact on the welfare of the child.”

“I am extremely gratefully for the ongoing assistance of the media and community, and would ask that we keep working together with the best interests of the child and the family in mind.”

Man arrested for Lilydale attempted abduction

Tuesday, 16 February 2010 08:44

A 36-year-old Wesburn man has been questioned by police in relation to an attempted abduction of a 5-year-old school student in Lilydale yesterday.

The man was arrested after coming to the attention of a news crew shortly after a press conference with detectives at the Lilydale Police Station around 6.40pm.

The man has been released pending summons for attempted child stealing.

Anyone with information regarding the incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppers.com.au.

Girl, 14, fights of would-be abductors

From: AAP
February 15, 2010 5:26PM

A 14-YEAR-OLD girl has managed to fend off two men who tried to pull her into their car, Canberra police say.

The teenager was walking along Burnie Street, Monash, in Canberra's south, on Saturday night when a black ute pulled up near her.

Two men, both believed to be aged in their late teens to early 20s, got out and tried to force her towards the vehicle.

But the girl fought back, hitting both men and escaping to her nearby home, where she told her mother what happened.

Police searched the area but neither the men nor the ute, believed to be a black Holden VR utility, could be found.

The girl was uninjured.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Police investigate attempted abduction in Lilydale

Monday, 15 February 2010 16:07

Police are hunting a man who attempted to abduct a 5-year-old school girl near Lilydale Primary school this morning.

The preppie had just finished playing during a recess break on an oval behind the school and was crossing Clarke street around 11.30am.

As she was crossing the street, it is alleged a man grabbed hold of her by the shoulder.

Another girl, a grade 5 student, grabbed the victim and pulled her away from the man.

The man has let go and has taken off towards Jones Street.

The young girl was shaken but unharmed during the incident.

The matter was reported to local Police and an extensive search of the area was conducted however the man could not be located.

The man is described as in his 20s, 183cm tall, wearing a purple/blue beanie, black coat and pants, thongs and carrying a backpack.

Anyone with information regarding the incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppers.com.au.

Police recount six-year-old girl's random abduction from house in Wagga Wagga

By Andrew Drummond - Daily Telegraph
From: AAP
February 15, 2010 4:48PM

POLICE have recounted the terrifying moments in which a mother desperately tried to stop the random abduction of her young daughter from outside her suburban family home.

The girl, aged just six, was playing alone in the front yard of her Macleay Street home at Mount Austin, a suburb of Wagga Wagga in southwestern NSW, when she was grabbed by a man about 11.30am yesterday.

Although the youngster was returned unharmed some 80 minutes later, the family remain traumatised by the incident, which has sparked a thorough search for the perpetrator.

"She was just playing out in the front yard, this bloke pulled up (and) grabbed her,'' acting Superintendent Rod Smith said from Wagga Wagga this afternoon.

"Mum was inside and heard the girl's screams and came rushing out to see what was going on and she actually got to the back of the tray (of the ute) and was dragged a few metres before she lost her hold and fell off."

Supt Smith confirmed reports in The Daily Telegraph that the girl had desperately struggled - including clinging to a nearby tree - and screamed after being grabbed by the man before being put in the back seat of the ute.

A neighbour followed the white Toyota HiLux for a short distance and has told police that the vehicle had yellow and black NSW registration plates, starting with the letters ``BD''.

About 80 minutes after she was taken, the man dropped the girl at the corner of Mitchelmore Street and Bolger Avenue, not far from where the abduction occurred.

Supt Smith said the abduction was not domestic-related, describing it instead as "completely random''.

"The child is physically unharmed and currently undergoing medical examination,'' he said.

Supt Smith declined to comment when asked if there is any evidence the girl has been sexually assaulted.

In an attempt to find the man, police around Wagga Wagga have been stopping all vehicles similar to that used in the abduction - described as a late model white dual cab Toyota HiLux with a metal tray.

"We have been stopping any vehicles that fit that description just to try and ascertain the driver and identify this car,'' Supt Smith said.

The man himself is described as being about 40 years old, of solid build, with short or balding brown hair.

At the time of the abduction the man wore a red chequered flannelette shirt, blue jeans and work boots.

Despite feeling relief at the return of the girl, relatives are traumatised by the abduction.
``They are quite traumatised by it, physically well, but obviously suffering severe shock,'' Supt Smith said.

The girl's mother suffered grazes as she fell from the back of the ute.

Supt Smith described the area as "densely suburban'', but close to a large bushland area.

Assistance sought following abduction – Wagga Wagga

Sunday, 14 Feb 2010 06:35pm

NSW Police are investigating the abduction of a six-year-old girl from outside her residence near Wagga Wagga this morning, before her return a short time later.

About 11.35am a man driving a utility pulled up next to the six-year-old girl in McLeay Street, Mount Austin.

The man took the girl and put her in the ute. The vehicle was last seen heading north towards Wagga Wagga CBD.

Shortly before 1pm the girl returned to the street where she was abducted from and was re-united with her mother.

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate the vehicle and the man.

Assistance is sought from anyone who has information in relation to the utility – a white late-model Toyota Hilux with registration plates starting with BD, DB or similar. The vehicle is believed to have a white tray back, possibly with a bullbar.

It is believed a potential witness followed the Hilux for a short distance from the scene, prior to returning to the scene. Police are appealing for this witness to contact Wagga Wagga Police on (02) 6922 2599.

Police are appealing to anyone in the vicinity of McLeay Street or Wagga Wagga Botanic Gardens about 11.30am -1pm who may have seen the ute to contact police.

Wagga Wagga Detectives have established “Operation Shell” in relation to the investigation and are being assisted by locally-based Joint Investigation Response Squad officers.

Wagga Wagga Crime Manager, Detective Inspector Dale Holmes, said “This investigation is being treated with the utmost priority and every effort is being made to locate the offender.”

“At this stage, no further information is available in relation to the specifics of the incident, as the child and potential witnesses are still being interviewed by police,” Det Insp Holmes said.

Anyone with information about the vehicle or the driver, who is described as about 40 years of age, medium build, with light coloured receding hair, is urged to contact Wagga Wagga Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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School girl subjected to obscene exposure

Wednesday, 10 February 2010 16:38

Victorian Police are searching for a man who exposed himself to a 13-year-old school girl in Pascoe Vale last Thursday.

The alleged exposure occurred at about 3.30pm in Cumberland Road, Pascoe Vale.

As the girl was walking home from school she noticed a man sitting in a small dark blue car near the corner of Sim Street.

When she got closer to the car the girl realised the man did not have any pants on and was wearing only a green florescent shirt.

Police have today released a FACE image of a man they would like to speak to in relation to this incident.

The man is described as in his 40s, medium to solid build, with a fair complexion and short, straight fair hair.

Police are calling on anyone with information or who may have noticed a dark blue car in the area to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppers.com.au.

Man charged with wilful and obscene exposure – Marrickville

Thursday, 11 Feb 2010 05:32am

A man will reappear in court next week after allegedly exposing himself outside a primary school in Sydney’s inner west.

Parents at a primary school in Fletcher Street at Marrickville told police they noticed a man hiding in the bushes with his genitals exposed, about 8.30am yesterday.

The parents have yelled at the man who ran into a nearby church.

Police attended a short time later, arresting a man in the churchyard. He was subsequently charged with wilful and obscene exposure.

The 50-year-old man, of no fixed address, was refused bail and appeared before Newtown Local Court yesterday. He was granted conditional bail by the court and will reappear at Newtown Local Court on 16 February.

Police arrest man for alleged obscene exposure to school children - Gunnedah

Tuesday, 09 Feb 2010 05:02am

NSW Police from Oxley Local Area Command arrested a 34-year-old Gunnedah man for allegedly exposing himself to a group of school children yesterday afternoon.

Around 3.15pm on Monday (9 February) the victims, six children, both male and female and all aged between 12 and 16, were walking along Little Conadilly Street, Gunnedah.

The children while walking down the laneway were confronted by the man who has allegedly exposed himself to them from a neighbouring property.

The man is alleged to have then followed a group of young girls along the laneway and when in front of them exposed himself for a second time. He has then smashed a beer bottle on the ground, walking away with his hands down the front of his trousers.

The children were uninjured and reported the incident to their parents who contacted police.

Police located the man a short time later in Little Conadilly Street where he was arrested and conveyed to Gunnedah Police Station.

The man was charged with wilful and obscene exposure (x 2) and other offences, and was bail refused to appear in Tamworth Local Court today, (Tuesday 9 February).

Alleged attempted abduction – Banora Point

Monday, 18 Jan 2010 08:29am

NSW Police are appealing for public assistance after two teenage girls were allegedly approached by a man at Banora Point, on the state’s far north coast. About 5.30pm on Saturday (16 January 2010), two 13-year-old girls were walking home from Banora Point Shopping Village when they were allegedly followed by a van in Eucalyptus Drive. The male driver allegedly got out of the vehicle and aggressively attempted to entice the girls into a distinctive dark blue van, with drawings or paintings of an orange jumping castle and stick-figure pictures of children on the side. The man left the area after the intervention of an elderly couple who were walking nearby. Police attached to Tweed / Byron Local Area Command are examining the circumstances surrounding the matter and are appealing for anyone with information about the alleged incident to contact investigators. In particular, police would like to speak with a man described as being of white/European appearance, with dark wavy mid-length hair in a curly ringlet style. At the time of the alleged incident, he was wearing a white singlet, dark sunglasses, and a navy blue baseball cap worn backwards. Anyone with information about the man’s identity or his current whereabouts, or information about the owner or current whereabouts of the distinctive van, is asked to contact Tweed Heads Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.nnPolice have renewed their appeal for parents to reinforce ‘Safe People, Safe Places’ messages to their children. Messages include:• Children and young people should avoid walking on their own and should be encouraged to instead walk with other family members, friends or an adult they know when going to and from school, the shops, or other destinations. • Make sure your parents or another adult knows where you are at all times.• Always go straight home or directly to the place you are walking to. • 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 Triple Zero (000) and tell them you are scared. If a young person has been approached by a stranger they should report the matter to police immediately.

Obscene exposure charge – Blackbutt

Saturday, 16 Jan 2010 05:15am

NSW Police from Lake Illawarra Local Area Command have arrested and charged a man after he allegedly exposed himself to a child in a cinema last night.

A 12-year-old girl was watching a movie with a friend and her friend’s parents, at a cinema complex at Blackbutt about 6pm, when a man allegedly exposed himself.

The child reported the incident to her friend’s father who approached the man before he ran out of the theatre. Cinema staff initiated a search for the man, while police were called.

Cinema staff viewed CCTV and located the alleged offender in another theatre still within the complex.
Police attended a short time later and arrested a 30-year-old man without further incident.

He was taken to Port Kembla Police Station where he was charged with wilful and obscene exposure in/near public place/school.

The man, from Warilla, was granted conditional bail to appear in Port Kembla Local Court on 10 February.

Attempted abduction, Redbank Plains:

Last Updated: 15/01/2010

QLD Police are appealing for witness to a 4WD vehicle that approached two teenage girls on Redbank Plains Road around 10.30pm on Wednesday, January 13. It’s alleged two men stopped their dark coloured, diesel vehicle beside the girls and asked them to come to the vehicle. When the request was ignored, the male passenger exited the vehicle and grabbed one of the girls on the arm. Both girls were able to run away without injury. The passenger is described as a man aged in his late 40s with dirty looking short dark hair. Anyone with information which could assist police with their investigations should contact Ipswich CIB on 3817 1365 or Crime Stoppers anonymously via 1800 333 000 or crimestoppers.com.au 24hrs a day.

Tuesday 22-Dec-2009 (1545 hrs CST)

Suspicious person – Alice Springs

Police are urging people to take care when walking alone after a report of a suspicious person on the Golf Course Estate.

Police received a report from the mother of a 9-year-old girl who noticed a suspicious man following her in a car as she was taking her dog for a walk around 9am today.

The girl was walking through the Hillside Gardens area when she noticed a man in a small gold-coloured car following her. The man is described as a Caucasian male, about 186 cm tall with dark hair and a medium build. He was wearing a dark long-sleeved top with white stripes and dark trousers.

Senior Sergeant Paula Dooley-McDonnell said while the girl was not injured or assaulted in any way, this incident serves as a timely reminder to parents and guardians to ensure they keep their children safe and make sure they are aware of the locations of Safety Houses in their area.

Police are urging anyone who notices any suspicious activity to call for assistance or report the matter to police on 131 444.

Wednesday 30-Dec-2009 (2129 hrs CST)

Suspicious Behaviour – Alice Springs

Alice Springs Police are investigating the suspicious behaviour of a male driver in the Gap area of Alice Springs at approximately 6:00 pm this evening.

It is alleged that a Caucasian male was witnessed driving a white utility through a street in the Gap area, he stopped and called a young boy over to his vehicle.

The boy became frightened and ran from the area and reported the incident to his parents.

An investigation into the matter is continuing; the intentions of the male have not yet been established.

Alice Springs Watch Commander Jody Nobbs said that this was a timely reminder for all parents.

“It is important that you sit down with your children and teach them the four R’s.

“Recognise the danger, refuse any offer, run away and report it to the first person they feel safe with.

“In this case the child did exactly the right thing” he said.

Police urge anyone that may have witnessed the event, or who may have seen a vehicle/male fitting the abovementioned description, to contact them on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or http://www.nt.crimestoppers.com.au/ .

Friday 04-Dec-2009 (1545 hrs CST)

Suspicious Person – Palmerston - 4421556

Police are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying a male who allegedly followed a nine-year-old girl home on Monday afternoon, confronting and threatening her.

The alleged offender is described as being of aboriginal appearance, approximately 17 to 19-years-old, tall, thin and at the time of the offence was wearing a black t-shirt with a yellow collar and sleeves, and a black and white baseball cap.

The girl was walking along Driver Circuit in Palmerston when she was confronted by the male. He allegedly took a knife from his pocket, held it above his head and proceeded to threaten her. The girl fled the scene without injury.

The incident occurred at approximately 2:30 pm on 30 November and police are seeking anyone who may have witnessed it, or who can identify the offender to please contact them on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.nt.crimestoppers.com.au.

Man charged with stalking teenage girl– St Marys

Tuesday, 12 Jan 2010 02:54pm

A man will appear in court after allegedly stalking a teenage girl in Sydney’s west on the weekend.

About 3pm on Saturday 9 January, a 14-year-old Colyton girl was walking from St Marys Railway Station towards the Great Western Highway when she was allegedly approached by a 36-year-old Colyton man driving a Ford Falcon.

Police will allege that the man offered the girl a lift several times which she declined on each occasion. He allegedly followed her as she walked along the highway for half an hour, attempting to coerce her into the car. Eventually the man drove away from the girl.

The girl reported the matter to St Marys police and an investigation was launched.

About 6am this morning police attended a home at Colyton and arrested a 36-year-old Colyton man.

He was taken to Penrith Police Station where he was interviewed and charged with stalk/intimidation with intent to cause fear of physical/mental harm.

He has been granted conditional bail to appear at Penrith Local Court on Wednesday 3 February 2010.

Alleged attempted abduction - Campsie

Monday, 04 Jan 2010 12:21pm

NSW Police are appealing for public assistance following an alleged attempted abduction at Campsie in Sydney’s south-west.

About 3pm yesterday (Sunday 3 January 2010), a 7-year-old boy and his mother were shopping in Beamish Street when a man allegedly attempted to get the child to accompany him. The young boy successfully managed to pull away from the man.

At the same time, the child’s mother became aware of the alleged incident and yelled at the man, who then walked away and into a nearby store.

The mother and son returned home and notified police of the alleged incident a few hours later.

Police attached to Campsie Local Area Command are examining the circumstances surrounding the matter and are appealing for anyone with information about the alleged incident to contact investigators.

In particular, police would like to speak with a man described as being of Asian appearance, 175cm tall, 40 to 50-years-old, of medium build, with a round face and black hair. He was last seen wearing a yellow t-shirt with white sleeves, grey stonewash jeans, and slip-on shoes.

Anyone with information about the man’s identity or his current whereabouts, or information about the alleged incident, is asked to contact Campsie Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Police have renewed their appeal for parents to reinforce ‘Safe People, Safe Places’ messages to their children. Messages include:

· Children and young people should avoid walking on their own and should be encouraged to instead walk with other family members, friends or an adult they know when going to and from school, the shops, or other destinations.

· Make sure your parents or another adult knows where you are at all times.

· Always go straight home or directly to the place you are walking to.

· 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 Triple Zero (000) and tell them you are scared.

If a young person has been approached by a stranger they should report the matter to police immediately.