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.
View Larger Map
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.
Wilful exposure, Bulimba:
Last Updated: 31/12/2009
QLD Police are seeking assistance in identifying the man pictured as they believe he may be able to assist with investigations concerning wilful exposure to children in the Oxford Street, Bulimba area on Sunday December 6. This investigation, which is part of Operation Hotel Peregrine, serves as a timely reminder during the school holiday period for parents to be mindful and ever vigilant of their children’s whereabouts and safety. Any information can be provided to Morningside Criminal Investigation Branch on 3823 8619 or Crime Stoppers anonymously via 1800 333 000 or crimestoppers.com.au 24hrs a day.
Man to face court after nine-year-old girl allegedly indecently assaulted – Liverpool
Sunday, 20 Dec 2009 05:31am
A man will face court today after the alleged indecent assault of a nine-year-old girl in a south western Sydney shopping centre.
About midday yesterday the girl was with her parents and siblings in an audio store within the Liverpool shopping complex when a witness saw a man placing his hands on the child’s buttocks.
The woman told the child’s mother what had happened while the child’s father apprehended the man and informed centre security.
Liverpool Police took the man to the local police station where he was subsequently charged with aggravated indecent assault.
The 52-year-old Warwick Farm man was refused bail and he is expected to appear in Parramatta Local Court later today.Man to face court following alleged indecent assault - Penrith
Friday, 18 Dec 2009 12:52pm
A man will appear in court next month following the alleged indecent assault of a teenage girl in a western Sydney.
Police will alleged that on Sunday, 13 December 2009 a 15-year-old girl was approached by a man at a shopping centre in Penrith. The man allegedly grabbed the girl on the buttock and left the scene.
The girl then informed her mother of the incident, who then contacted police.
The man was described to Police as 35-45-year-old, 170 cm tall, thin to medium build with greying hair. At the time of the incident was wearing a blue, green and yellow top.
Following inquiries by Penrith Police a 48-year-old man from Werrington Downs man was arrested and charged with indecent assault.
He was granted bail and will re-appear at Penrith Local Court on the 14 January 2010.
Penrith detectives are continuing in their investigations and believe there may be other alleged victims who have not yet contacted police.
They are keen to speak with anyone who may have fallen victim to a similar incident in the same shopping centre.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Penrith Police Station on 4721 9444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Police appeal for public assistance following abduction attempt – St Clair
Monday, 14 Dec 2009 05:44am
NSW Police from the St Marys Local Area Command are appealing for public assistance following an attempted abduction involving an eight-year-old boy in St Clair yesterday.
About 6.30pm on Sunday (13 December 2009), the boy was standing at the intersection of Hunter Street and Melville Road when he saw a vehicle travelling slowly towards him.
The vehicle has been described as a small white hatchback with no hubcaps and yellow and black number plates.
The vehicle stopped near the young boy and the driver, covered only in a fluffy blanket, asked the boy to get into the car.
Police believe the man attempted to entice the boy by telling him he would give him lollies.
The boy refused to get in and ran from the man, telling his parents upon his arrival home.
Police were immediately contacted and an investigation is underway.
Police are appealing for anyone who may have information about this incident to contact St Marys Police via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
A FOUR-YEAR-OLD boy was indecently assaulted in a Sydney McDonald's fast food restaurant while his mother was ordering dessert, police say.
The boy was having dinner with his mother and a sibling at the restaurant on Victoria Road, Drummoyne, about 8.30pm on Saturday.
When his mother left the table to order dessert, a man allegedly grabbed the boy's face and kissed him on the lips.
Police say he also handed the boy a lollipop from his pocket.
The man then fled the restaurant in a small white hatchback, believed to be a Hyundai Getz or similar, with yellow and black number plates.
He is described as being aged between 45-55, about 170cm tall and wearing square-rim glasses.
At the time of the alleged assault he was wearing a blue baseball hat, blue shirt and pants, and carrying a shoulder bag/satchel.
Police are appealing for witnesses to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Meanwhile, police say a man covered by just a fluffy blanket has attempted to entice an eight-year-old boy in Sydney's west.
The boy was standing at the intersection of Hunter Street and Melville Road, St Clair, when he allegedly saw a vehicle described as a small white hatchback travelling slowly towards him about 6.30pm yesterday.
The driver, who police say was allegedly covered only by a fluffy blanket, attempted to entice the boy into the car by offering him lollies.
The boy refused and ran home.
Anyone who may have information about the incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Suspicious activity, Toowoomba:
Last Updated: 07/12/2009
QLD Police are appealing for witnesses to an incident that occurred in Holberton Street at Toowoomba today. Sometime between 1 and 1.30pm a vehicle with three male occupants drove from a southerly direction and stopped on the opposite side from where a child was standing. One of the men got out of the car and walked towards the girl. He stopped to stand on a traffic island, and has told the girl to get into the car. At this time the girl ran back to her house and locked the doors. The offender has then returned to the car which drove off in a northerly direction. The offender is described as being of Aboriginal appearance, in his 20’s, approximately 170cm tall, with curly hair. He was wearing a singlet, shorts and a baseball cap. The car is described as an early model, boxy sedan, metallic gold and a reddish tinge in colour, and with tinted windows. 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.
Crime Stoppers is a charitable community volunteer organisation working in partnership with the Queensland Police Service.
Police seek public assistance following child approached – Deniliquin
Tuesday, 01 Dec 2009 10:46am
NSW Police are seeking public assistance after a teenage girl was approached by a man in a car in the State’s south west yesterday.
About 5.50pm (Monday 30 November), the 14-year-old was walking along Henry Street at Deniliquin when a dark blue older model sedan slowed down beside her.
The driver, not known to the girl, allegedly offered her a lift and asked the girl for her name and address.
The teenager declined the driver’s offer and walked home before informing her father of the incident.
Police were notified a short time later and conducted a patrol of the area with no result.
The man is described as being aged between 40 and 50 years old, with a medium build, neatly cut black hair, of Indian/Pakistani appearance and wearing a dark coloured suit.
Investigations into the incident are continuing and police urge anyone with information to contact Deniliquin Police via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Suspicious behaviour towards a child, Toowoomba:
Last Updated: 27/11/2009
QLD Police are investigating a report of a man acting suspiciously towards a child in Toowoomba. It is believed that an 11-year-old girl was approached by a man driving a car in the Toowoomba CBD around 8am. The man attempted to engage the girl in conversation before driving off along Railway Street. He was last seen near Russell Street. The girl was not harmed. Police are appealing for public assistance to find the vehicle described as a white Holden commodore sedan displaying mismatched registration plates. It is believed that the rear registration plate is yellow. The driver is described as being in his 20’s, with a tanned complexion, short black hair and has a distinctive tattoo on his neck. 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.
Indecent treatment arrest:
Last Updated: 25/11/2009
A 43-year-old man will appear in the (QLD Proserpine Magistrates Court on Monday November 30 charged with indecent treatment of a child. It is alleged that the man entered the child’s bedroom through a window and assaulted her.
Police appeal for information after suspicious man follows boys to school - Umina
Friday, 13 Nov 2009 06:22pm
NSw Police from Brisbane Water Local Area Command have appealed for assistance from the community after two boys reported they were followed to school by a man in a car.
About 8.30am today two 11-year-old boys were travelling to school at Umina riding their pushbikes.
As they travelled north along Birdwood Avenue they became aware of a car following them.
The boys have told police that as they rode they saw the vehicle slow down and travel past them several times.
Although the man looked directly at the boys they have continued and whilst travelling eastbound on Ocean Beach Road the vehicle continued parallel to them in Australia Avenue.
As the boys passed the car they observed the lone male occupant to be shirtless. The boys were not harmed.
At school the boys reported the matter to the principal and police were informed.
The man has been described to police as being aged between 30 and 40 years, with black short hair, a medium complexion and no facial hair.
He was wearing a gold necklace and medallion and was driving a metallic blue Holden Captiva, which had roof racks, a chrome nudge bar, no tow ball and stock plastic wheel trims.
Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact Brisbane Water Local Area Command on (02) 4323 5409 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Child approached - Villawood
Friday, 13 Nov 2009 11:18am
Police are appealing for assistance after a child was approached in Sydney’s south west on Wednesday (13 November).
About 4.30pm a five-year-old girl was outside her home on Gurrawillie Street, Villawood, when a vehicle described as a white Mitsubishi van stopped outside the house.
The driver spoke to the girl and attempted to entice her into the vehicle.
The girl ran inside and told her parents what happened.
The driver of the van is described as a male with dark skin, skinny build and long hair. At the time he was wearing a pink shirt and brown jeans.
Due to the girl’s tender age police were unable to obtain a clear description of the incident immediately after the incident.
Meanwhile, the incident has prompted police to issue the following general safety advice and tips for children and parents.
GENERAL SAFETY ADVICE
Parents should be alert to the safety of their children and where they are at all times.
It is recommended that, where possible, children are escorted to and from school by an adult. If this is not possible, they should walk in groups with other children.
Parents should walk the route to and from school with their children. Make sure it is the safest way to travel and, if possible, use busier roads and streets or paths where other people are likely to be. Avoid back lanes and short cuts through isolated areas.
Talk to your child about where they should go if something happens to them such as a shop, service station, police station or school. Teach children buildings that are ‘safe’, like the police station with the blue check symbol.
Use common signs to help children identify ‘safe adults’ they can approach for help. For example, the police blue checked square, their own doctor’s surgery, a library, an information sign at a shopping centre or a hospital if there is one close to home or school.
Parents and caregivers should encourage their children to develop some simple prevention strategies that can apply across a range of situations to help the child know what to do.
Always tell your children if someone other than you is going to pick them up from school. If your child is in a childcare centre, always inform the staff if someone other than yourself will be collecting the child.
Tell your children to avoid talking to people they don’t know, including people in cars that pull over to the side of the road, and instil in them that they should never go anywhere or get into a car with someone they don’t know.
These strategies should never replace adequate supervision but will assist a child when he or she is unsure what to do and help develop personal strengths to respect their own body and space.
GENERAL MESSAGES
Child abduction is very rare in NSW.
The Child Protection and Sex Crimes Squad monitor reports of attempted abduction or abduction on a state-wide basis.
Police take reports of these matters very seriously and conduct investigations into each of them. Reported suspicious behaviour can sometimes be misinterpreted by children.
Reports of attempted abductions have increased in recent times. An explanation for this could be that children, parents, teachers and the community have become more vigilant to the possibility of abduction attempts and are more likely to make official reports.
Increased level of reporting from the community sometimes coincides with increased media reports of possible abduction attempts.
NSW Police thoroughly investigate each and every incident of reported attempted abduction of children. We take a “better safe than sorry” approach to all reports of suspicious activity around children and will thoroughly investigate any reports.
We encourage all members of the community to report suspicious activity to police when they see it. It assists police greatly if reports are made promptly and that as much detail as possible can be provided about the descriptions of suspects and their vehicles are noted.
In particular, the provision of vehicle registration numbers allows the rapid resolution of matters.
Anyone with information that can assist investigators in relation to the Villawood incident is urged to contact Bankstown Police via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Appeal for public assistance after girl allegedly grabbed – Glenhaven
Wednesday, 04 Nov 2009 02:19pm
Police are appealing for public assistance after a girl was allegedly grabbed at a reserve in Sydney’s north west yesterday.
About 5.45pm an 11-year-old girl was watching a junior soccer match with her father at a reserve in Holland Road, Glenhaven, when she walked about 40m away into bushland which surrounds the playing fields.
It is alleged she was grabbed around the neck by a man and dragged further into the bushland before he fled the scene.
The girl returned and told her father, who searched for the man before police were subsequently notified.
The girl was not injured in the incident.
Upon arrival, police established a crime scene and searched the area without result.
Police want to speak to a man who might be able to assist with inquiries.
He is described as having an olive complexion, aged in his late 30s or early 40s, medium to chubby build, about 183 cm tall, clean shaven with a wider set nose and short dark brown hair. He was wearing dark sunglasses, a dark blue collared shirt and dark jeans.
Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact Castle Hill Police Station on 9680 5399 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
This reported incident is a reminder to all parents to keep their children within sight in public places. If children must go to an isolated area they should travel in groups.
Parents are urged to discuss with their children where they should go if something happens, including a police station, shop, service station or school.Boy approached - Wollongong
Friday, 30 Oct 2009 03:29pm
NSW Police are reminding parents to reinforce ‘safe people safe places’ messages after an unknown man approached a boy at Gwynneville, near Wollongong, today.
About 8.30am the 11-year-old boy was walking to school along Foley Street when a silver duel cab utility pulled up near the intersection of Lucinda Street.
A man called out to the boy through the passenger window and tried to encourage him to enter the vehicle.
The man continued to attempt to coerce the boy into the vehicle before the boy walked to his school and told staff of the incident.
The man was described to police as being of white/European appearance and as wearing a dark cap. His voice was described as having an Australian accent.
Any members of the public in the area at the time of the incident are urged to contact Wollongong Police Station on (02) 4226 7899 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Meanwhile, parents are being encouraged to reinforce ‘safe people safe places’ messages with their children.
Parents are urged to talk to their children about where they should go if something happens, including a police station, shop, service station or school.
They should reinforce to children that under no circumstances should they get into a car with a person they do not know.
Children should also avoid walking or travelling alone, especially if going to and from school. When possible, young people should use busier roads and streets, or paths where other people are likely to be, and avoid back lanes and short cuts through isolated areas.
Sydney.
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.
Detective Superintendent John Kerlatec, Commander of the Sex Crimes Squad, said children should also be encouraged to walk near busier roads and streets, or use paths where there are lots of other people.
“When possible, children should not use back lanes or short cuts where there are not many people,” Detective Superintendent John Kerlatec said.
Meanwhile, other ‘Safe People, Safe Places’ messages parents are encouraged to teach their children include:
• 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.
• 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.Attempted Abduction Cottesloe
October 28, 2009
At approx 2.30pm yesterday the 27/10/2009 a student at the North Cottesloe Primary School (WA) was playing within the school boundaries during a break in school classes.
Whilst playing, the student was leaning against an exterior boundary fence. He was at that point approached by a man who lifted him by the waist over the fence and placed him on the foot path before leaving the area.
The student was unhurt and no further contact was made.
The student and other witnesses have given a description of the man as dark olive skin, blonde hair which was short on the sides, and slightly longer on top, with a longer strand of hair (possibly similar to a rats tail) running down the side, at the front of his face, he was in his late teens or early 20's. The student described the man as wearing a red t-shirt, blue shorts, black shoes with light blue laces.
Police believe that the man possibly had a woman with him. No description is available of her and police are asking this woman to come forward on the matter.
If any one has any further information please contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Child assaulted outside school – North Sydney
Friday, 30 Oct 2009 09:21am
Harbourside Police (NSW) are appealing for public assistance in identifying a man after a child was indecently assaulted at North Sydney earlier this week.
The incident happened about 3.10pm (Wednesday 28 October) outside a school on the Pacific Highway as a 10-year-old boy was walking through the school gates.
The child has told police the man grabbed him by the shoulder and indecently touched him before walking off.
Police were contacted and attended the scene.
Police have a description of a man who they believe can assist with investigations into the incident.
He is described as being of white/European appearance, 50-75 years old, about 183cm tall with a slim build. He has an olive complexion with short balding brown/grey hair. The man was clean-shaven and may have been wearing a silver ring in his left ear.
At the time the man was wearing a blue and white checked shirt with light-blue denim shorts and black boots.
Anyone with information about the man or the incident is urged to contact North Sydney Police on 9956 3199 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Additional police have been tasked to patrol local primary schools.
Police hunt man candy
man
Lacey Burley |
30th October 2009 -
Toowoomba Chronicle
Police
yesterday released
this comfit of a man
wanted for trying to
lure a young girl
into his car in
Darling Heights.
POLICE are hunting a
man who tried to
lure a
seven-year-old girl
from her Darling
Heights home front
yard into his car by
offering her lollies.
Toowoomba Police
Child Protection
Investigation Unit (CPIU)
detectives yesterday
released this comfit
of the offender.
Senior
Constable Chris
Wheatley said the
man approached the
girl who was playing
at her West Street
home and asked her
if she wanted
lollies which he had
in his car.
The girl said
no and went inside
to tell her parents.
The man fled.
Her parents
immediately called
police.
The offence
happened on
Wednesday, October
14, at 6pm.
Snr Const
Wheatley said the
girl was able to
give police a
detailed description
of the man.
He is
described as being
between 26 and 28,
with olive skin,
brown eyes, shaved
black hair, and a
short goatee
(beard).
He is 170cm
tall and of average
build.
At the time of
the offence he was
wearing a black
T-shirt with red
stripes and yellow
writing, and black
three-quarter length
shorts.
The girl was
unable to provide a
description of his
car.
The
man did not touch
her.
Snr
Const Wheatley urged
parents to be
vigilant in keeping
their children safe.
Anyone with
information about
the man’s identity
should call
Toowoomba Police
CPIU on 46316355.
Members of the
public can also call
Crime Stoppers on
1800333000 and
remain anonymous.
WANNEROO
CHILD OFFENCE CHARGE
28
October 2009
Police have charged a
man after an incident in
Wanneroo just before
10am on Sunday 25
October 2009 involving a
13 year old girl.
It will be alleged the
man stopped his vehicle
alongside the girl, who
was walking alone on
Quarkum Street in
Wanneroo, and began
talking to her. It will
be further alleged the
man
attempted to engage the
girl in a discussion of
a sexual nature and made
inappropriate
suggestions to her, and
attempted to entice her
into his car.
The girl refused and ran
from the area and went
home, where she
immediately informed her
mother of the incident.
Fortunately the girl was
able to provide police
with a description of
the
vehicle.
North West Metropolitan
Tactical Investigation
Group detectives have
charged a 27 year old
man from Girrawheen with
Encourage a Child Over
13 and Under 16 to
Engage in Sexual
Behaviour, and he will
be appearing in the
Joondalup Magistrates
Court on
13 November 2009.
Man charged over sexual
assault of teenage boy –
Charlestown
Saturday, 24 Oct
2009 05:28am
A man will appear in
court today charged over
the sexual assault of a
teenage boy at a public
library south of
Newcastle.
About 5pm on Wednesday
(21 October), the
13-year-old boy was
allegedly sexually
assaulted by a man in
the toilets of the
public library on Smith
Street, Charlestown.
The boy reported the
incident to library
staff who contacted
emergency services.
Police from Lake
Macquarie Local Area
Command and NSW
Ambulance paramedics
attended the scene.
The child was taken to
Newcastle’s John Hunter
Hospital for treatment.
Meanwhile, a crime scene
was established and
examined by specialist
forensics officers.
Following extensive
inquiries by State Crime
Command’s Joint
Investigation Response
Squad and local
detectives, a
61-year-old man was
arrested at a Mount
Hutton residence late
yesterday (Friday 23
October).
The man was taken to
Belmont Police Station
and questioned before
being charged with
having sexual
intercourse with a
person between 10 and 14
years, aggravated
indecent assault (four
counts) and aggravated
indecency - victim under
16.
He was refused bail to
appear in Newcastle Bail
Court later today.
Thursday 22-Oct-2009 (1145 hrs CST)
Indecent assault –
Alice springs - 4394472
NT Police are appealing for witnesses to an incident
in Larapinta in which a 12-year-old girl was
indecently assaulted in Alice Springs.
The victim told police she had just got off a bus on
Larapinta Drive near the corner of Battarbee Street
around 3.15pm on Tuesday when she was approached by
three young boys on bicycles. As they rode past her
the girl was indecently assaulted.
The offenders are described as being of Aboriginal
appearance and aged between nine and 14. One was
wearing a yellow tee-shirt while another had
bleached blonde hair. The girl was unable to
describe the third boy.
Police are appealing to anyone who recognizes the
description of the boys or who may have been in the
area where the offence took place on Tuesday
afternoon to come forward.
Anyone with information should phone police on 131
444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Police appeal for information after boy
approached – Frenchs Forest
Thursday, 15 Oct 2009 05:23am
NSW Police are appealing for information after a boy was approached and
assaulted while walking home in Frenchs Forest
yesterday.
Detectives from Northern Beaches Local Area Command
have been told about 5pm a 12-year-old boy got off a
bus outside a shopping centre and was walking along
Sorlie Road, Frenchs Forest when a man driving a
white van pulled up alongside him.
It is alleged the man offered the boy a lift on
several occasions with the boy declining each offer
before the man reached out of the van and grabbed
the boy on the shoulder.
The boy was able to run from the scene before the
van drove away.
Police would like to speak to a man who they believe
may be able to assist them with their inquiries.
The man has been described as being of
white/European appearance, approximately 25 to 30
years old, solid build and unshaven with a deep
voice.
He was wearing a green polo t-shirt with a white
horse emblem on the right side, dark blue jeans and
dark sunglasses.
Meanwhile the van has been described as being a
white Toyota Hi-ace with dark tinted windows, yellow
and black number plates and damage to the left rear
corner panel.
Police are urging anyone who may have witnessed the
incident or who has information about the identity
of the man and whereabouts of the van, to contact
Northern Beaches detectives via
Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Parents are also reminded to remain vigilant in
reinforcing the ‘Safe People, Safe Places’ messages
with their children, advising them what to do and
where to go if someone harasses them and if they are
concerned for their safety.
The messages are:
· Make sure your parents or another adult you know
knows where you are at all times.
· Avoid walking anywhere on your own, try to walk
with friends or an adult you know.
· Always walk near busier roads and streets or paths
where there are lots of other people.
· Don’t walk through back lanes or short cuts where
there are not many 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.
· 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 any person ever hurts you or makes you feel
scared, tell a safe adult straight away.If you are
scared and can use a phone, call 000 and tell them
you are scared.
Girl detained by man -
Boambee
Saturday, 10 Oct
2009 01:27pm
NSW Police are appealing
for information after a
girl was detained by a
man on the state’s
central coast last week.
About 6.50pm on Thursday
8 October, a 13-year-old
girl was jogging down a
pedestrian path in the
Boambee East area when a
man began following her
and calling out to her.
The girl attempted to
ignore the man, and kept
walking down the path.
The man then ran up
behind the girl and
allegedly grabbed her
around the right bicep.
The girl turned around
and saw that the man was
armed with a knife.
He demanded the girl sit
down in the park and the
girl complied. The man
stood near the girl for
a short time before
running from the scene.
He was last seen running
into Avonleigh Drive.
Police would like to
speak to a man who may
be able to assist them
with their inquiries.
The man is described as
Asian in appearance,
about 16-18 years of
age, of a solid build,
with short dark brown
hair, brown eyes and a
5cm scar on the left
side of his neck which
ran diagonally down the
neckline.
At the time of the
incident he was wearing
a red t-shirt with gold
writing on the front and
baggy light blue denim
jeans.
Anyone who witnessed the
incident or has any
information that can
assist investigators
should contact Coffs
Harbour police on (02)
6652 0299 or Crime
Stoppers on 1800 333
000.
Police appeal for information after teenager detained by male — Coffs Harbour
Friday, 09 Oct 2009 06:40pm
Police are appealing for information after a teenage girl was threatened by a man at Boambee near Coffs Harbour yesterday.
About 6:50pm, a 13-year-old girl had been out jogging with her father on a walking track near Bruce King Drive at Boambee East when it is alleged a man called out to her a number of times.
Police have been told the girl ignored the man before he approached and threatened her, detaining her against her will.
The girl was made to walk to a nearby park before the man fled the scene a few minutes later and was last seen running into Avonleigh Drive.
The girl who was uninjured in the incident told her father about what had occurred before police were notified.
Coffs Harbour detectives wish to speak to a male who they believe may be able to assist them with their inquiries. The male has been described as being of Asian or Pacific Islander appearance, approximately 16 to 18-years-old with a tanned complexion and short dark brown hair.
He has an athletic build with brown eyes and a distinctive five centremetre scar on the left side of his neck which runs diagonally down to his neckline.
Anyone with information about the identity or whereabouts of the male is urged to contact Coffs Harbour detectives on (02) 6652 0299 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Meanwhile police are reminding parents and their children about the ‘Safe people, safe places’ messages where children should:
· Make sure your parents or another adult you know knows where you are at all times.
· Avoid walking anywhere on your own, try to walk with friends or an adult you know.
· Always walk near busier roads and streets or paths where there are lots of other people. Don’t walk though back lanes or short cuts where there are not many 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.
· 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 any person ever hurts you or makes you feel scared, tell a safe adult straight away.
· If you are scared and can use a phone, call 000 and tell them you are scared.
NSW Police appeal for
public assistance
following possible
attempted abduction –
Penrith
Sunday, 11 Oct
2009 05:41am
Penrith police are
appealing for public
assistance following a
possible attempted
abduction in Sydney’s
west overnight.
About 8.20pm, a
28-year-old woman was
walking along Coreen
Avenue near Lemon Grove
Road at Penrith when a
car with five men
on-board allegedly
stopped beside the
woman.
It is alleged one of the
men called out to the
woman but as she turned
to face them they drove
off southbound on Lemon
Grove Road.
The car is described as
a silver Holden
Commodore bearing a
green P plate on the
rear, a rear spoiler
with side skirts and
star shaped mag wheels
and a partial
registration plate of AP
16.
The woman returned to
her home where she
contacted police,
providing them with
descriptions of two men.
Both are described as
being of Islander
appearance,
approximately
25-years-old and of
solid build.
One had short black hair
and was wearing a black
cap and black jumper,
while the other was
wearing a white cap and
dark t-shirt.
Police patrolled the
area but were unable to
locate a car or men
matching the woman’s
description.
Detectives are keen to
speak with anyone who
may have noticed the car
or the men in the
vicinity of Coreen
Avenue and Lemon Grove
Road around 8.20pm last
night.
Anyone with information
is asked to contact
Penrith police on 4721
9444 or Crime Stoppers
on 1800 333 000.
Information will be
treated in the strictest
confidence and you can
remain anonymous.
Attempted abduction in
Albany
RONAN O'CONNELL, The
West Australian
October 7, 2009, 4:52 pm
Police are investigating the attempted
abduction of two boys near Albany today in the
third similar incident in the past two weeks.
Sen-Sgt Trevor Evans, officer in charge of
Albany Police, said the incident had involved
two young boys who were with their family at
Betty’s Beach, about 30km east of Albany at
12.30pm.
He said police believed that the man had
not actually touched the boys, aged nine and 11
years old, but the incident had been reported to
police as an attempted abduction.
The man, who is described as being about
50 years old, was driving a white station wagon.
“We are certainly concerned about this
man’s actions and we would like to find him,”
Sen-Sgt Evans said.
A police spokesman said there was no
evidence that the incident was linked to similar
attempted abductions in Dongara and Busselton.
The spokesman said the investigation into
today's incident was at an early stage and
police were still speaking to the family of the
children.
Police are already investigating reports a
man tried to kidnap a six-year-old girl from a
Busselton caravan park on September 27, a day
after a nine-year-old girl was dragged from her
tent in Dongara.
The six-year-old, who was on holidays from
Perth, told police she was returning to her
family's chalet from the playground of the
Beachlands caravan park about 6.30pm when the
man accosted her. He grabbed her arm and dragged
her to his nearby car.
But she escaped when the man walked around
to the driver's side.
BUSSELTON ATTEMPTED ABDUCTION
05/Oct/2009
Busselton (WA) Detectives are investigating a report of a man trying to abduct a
6 year old girl at a caravan park in Busselton yesterday evening (4 October
2009).
The incident happened around 6:30pm while the 6 year old girl, who was on
holidays from Perth, was playing near the front gate of the park. The girl told
her parents that she was approached by a man who grabbed her by the arm and put
her in his car which was parked nearby.
The girl was able to escape when the man walked around the car to get in.
The man is described as being between 30 and 45 years of age, of slim build with
black hair and blue eyes. He was wearing blue jeans, a black jacket and a dark
coloured beanie. The victim describes his as having hairy arms and yellow teeth.
It is believed he was driving a blue coloured sedan with skull style car seat
covers.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Teenager indecently assaulted – Lalor Park
Tuesday, 06 Oct 2009 12:21pm
NSW Police are appealing for the public’s help after a teenage girl was indecently assaulted in Sydney’s west.
About 9pm on Friday 2 October, the 16-year-old was walking along Freeman Street at Lalor Park, when a car being driven by a man stopped next to her.
The man got out of the car, grabbed the woman’s hands and attempted to kiss her.
The girl broke free of the man’s grasp and ran to the safety of a nearby residence.
Police were notified several hours later and have been given a limited description of the man and his car.
He is described as being of white/European appearance, 20 to 30 years of age and was wearing a short sleeve shirt, long pants and a hat.
The man’s car is believed to be an older model white Holden Commodore with a black stripe on its doors.
Anyone with information that might assist investigating officers is urged to contact Blacktown Police Station via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Meanwhile, the incident has prompted police to issue the following general safety advice and tips for children and parents.
GENERAL SAFETY ADVICE
Parents should be alert to the safety of their children and where they are at all times.
It is recommended that, where possible, children are escorted to and from school by an adult. If this is not possible, they should walk in groups with other children.
Parents should walk the route to and from school with their children. Make sure it is the safest way to travel and, if possible, use busier roads and streets or paths where other people are likely to be. Avoid back lanes and short cuts through isolated areas.
Talk to your child about where they should go if something happens to them such as a shop, service station, police station or school. Teach children buildings that are ‘safe’, like the police station with the blue check symbol.
Use common signs to help children identify ‘safe adults’ they can approach for help. For example, the police blue checked square, their own doctor’s surgery, a library, an information sign at a shopping centre or a hospital if there is one close to home or school.
Parents and caregivers should encourage their children to develop some simple prevention strategies that can apply across a range of situations to help the child know what to do.
Always tell your children if someone other than you is going to pick them up from school. If your child is in a childcare centre, always inform the staff if someone other than yourself will be collecting the child.
Tell your children to avoid talking to people they don’t know, including people in cars that pull over to the side of the road, and instil in them that they should never go anywhere or get into a car with someone they don’t know.
These strategies should never replace adequate supervision but will assist a child when he or she is unsure what to do and help develop personal strengths to respect their own body and space.
GENERAL MESSAGES
Child abduction is very rare in NSW.
The Child Protection and Sex Crimes Squad monitor reports of attempted abduction or abduction on a state-wide basis.
Police take reports of these matters very seriously and conduct investigations into each of them. Reported suspicious behaviour can sometimes be misinterpreted by children.
Reports of attempted abductions have increased in recent times. An explanation for this could be that children, parents, teachers and the community have become more vigilant to the possibility of abduction attempts and are more likely to make official reports.
Increased level of reporting from the community sometimes coincides with increased media reports of possible abduction attempts.
NSW Police thoroughly investigate each and every incident of reported attempted abduction of children. We take a “better safe than sorry” approach to all reports of suspicious activity around children and will thoroughly investigate any reports.
We encourage all members of the community to report suspicious activity to police when they see it. It assists police greatly if reports are made promptly and that as much detail as possible can be provided about the descriptions of suspects and their vehicles are noted. nnIn particular, the provision of vehicle registration numbers allows the rapid resolution of matters.
Schoolgirl allegedly
approached by unknown
man – Quakers Hill
Thursday, 01 Oct
2009 05:10am
NSW Police
in Sydney’s north-west
are conducting inquiries
after a schoolgirl was
allegedly approached by
an unknown man at
Quakers Hill.
The 12-year-old girl was
outside a residence in
Summerfield Avenue about
3.15pm yesterday
(Wednesday 30 September)
when a white van pulled
into the driveway.
The male driver
allegedly called out to
the girl before offering
her lollies.
Fearing for her safety,
the girl ran and climbed
over a fence into the
backyard of the
residence.
The man then drove from
the area.
Police from Quakers Hill
Local Area Command were
alerted to the incident
and are conducting
inquiries.
They’re now appealing to
anyone who might have
witnessed the incident
or anyone acting
suspiciously in the
vicinity of Summerfield
Avenue between 3pm and
3.30pm to come forward.
The man has been
described as being aged
in his mid-20s with
olive skin and brown
spiky hair. He was
wearing a blue jumper at
the time of the
incident.
Anyone with information
that might assist
investigating officers
is urged to contact
Quakers Hill Police
Station via Crime
Stoppers on 1800 333
000.
Meanwhile, the incident
has prompted police to
issue the following
general safety advice
and tips for children
and parents.
GENERAL SAFETY ADVICE
Parents should be alert
to the safety of their
children and where they
are at all times.
It is recommended that,
where possible, children
are escorted to and from
school by an adult. If
this is not possible,
they should walk in
groups with other
children.
Parents should walk the
route to and from school
with their children.
Make sure it is the
safest way to travel
and, if possible, use
busier roads and streets
or paths where other
people are likely to be.
Avoid back lanes and
short cuts through
isolated areas.
Talk to your child about
where they should go if
something happens to
them such as a shop,
service station, police
station or school. Teach
children buildings that
are ‘safe’, like the
police station with the
blue check symbol.
Use common signs to help
children identify ‘safe
adults’ they can
approach for help. For
example, the police blue
checked square, their
own doctor’s surgery, a
library, an information
sign at a shopping
centre or a hospital if
there is one close to
home or school.
Parents and caregivers
should encourage their
children to develop some
simple prevention
strategies that can
apply across a range of
situations to help the
child know what to do.
Always tell your
children if someone
other than you is going
to pick them up from
school. If your child is
in a childcare centre,
always inform the staff
if someone other than
yourself will be
collecting the child.
Tell your children to
avoid talking to people
they don’t know,
including people in cars
that pull over to the
side of the road, and
instil in them that they
should never go anywhere
or get into a car with
someone they don’t know.
These strategies should
never replace adequate
supervision but will
assist a child when he
or she is unsure what to
do and help develop
personal strengths to
respect their own body
and space.
GENERAL MESSAGES
Child abduction is very
rare in NSW.
The Child Protection and
Sex Crimes Squad monitor
reports of attempted
abduction or abduction
on a state-wide basis.
Police take reports of
these matters very
seriously and conduct
investigations into each
of them.
Reported suspicious
behaviour can sometimes
be misinterpreted by
children.
Reports of attempted
abductions have
increased in recent
times. An explanation
for this could be that
children, parents,
teachers and the
community have become
more vigilant to the
possibility of abduction
attempts and are more
likely to make official
reports.
Increased level of
reporting from the
community sometimes
coincides with increased
media reports of
possible abduction
attempts.
NSW Police thoroughly
investigate each and
every incident of
reported attempted
abduction of children.
We take a “better safe
than sorry” approach to
all reports of
suspicious activity
around children and will
thoroughly investigate
any reports.
We encourage all members
of the community to
report suspicious
activity to police when
they see it.
It assists police
greatly if reports are
made promptly and that
as much detail as
possible can be provided
about the descriptions
of suspects and their
vehicles are noted. nnIn
particular, the
provision of vehicle
registration numbers
allows the rapid
resolution of matters.
Father tells of Dongara
abduction horror
Article from: PerthNow
Nicole Cox, police reporter
September 29, 2009 03:30pm
THE father of a
nine-year-old girl taken from her tent at a Dongara
campsite has recounted the horror of realising his
daughter was the victim of an attempted kidnapping.
Speaking for the first time since Saturday's
brazen attack, Ross said he was living every
parent's worst nightmare and had grappled to
comprehend what may have happened to his daughter if
the man had taken her away - just metres from where
he slept.
``No words could describe how awful the consequences
of what might have happened if she hadn't have
escaped,'' he told reporters this afternoon.
The southern suburbs father also made an impassioned
plea for anyone with information about the identity
of the wannabe abductor to contact police before he
struck again.
Ross said he had taken his nine-year-old daughter
away for the long weekend, arriving at the Dongara
Denison Tourist Park campsite, about 360km north of
Perth, on Friday afternoon and enjoying a leisurely
evening before calling it a night.
He was sleeping in a separate tent nearby at the
camping ground,which is set on the beach.
But at 6am, Ross was awoken to his daughter's
shrieks, screaming: ``Daddy, Daddy, someone tried to
take me''.
Police said a man, aged about 30, unzipped the tent,
which the girl had been sharing with her
eight-year-old friend, looked inside and lifted the
girl out of her bed before carrying her to a white
dual cab ute parked nearby.
There, he placed her in the passenger seat before he
walked around to the driver's side. But the girl
became scared and ran from the car screaming.
``I was aware of some screaming. I wasn't aware at
the time whether it was my daughter or not, though I
was awake at that stage,'' Ross said today.
``Then I heard a vehicle move off quite rapidly and
my first thought was somebody had been hit by the
vehicle.
``And then very shortly after that, more screaming,
and realising it then was my daughter because she
was shouting saying basically: `Daddy, Daddy,
someone tried to take me'.''
Ross said he lept out of his sleeping bag and
scrambled to the door of his tent where his daughter
repeated that someone had tried to take her.
``I've seen her, she was OK and I've run off down
the road to the entrance to the caravan park and saw
a vehicle turning right at the T-junction down by
the marina,'' he said.
The man drove down George Street, towards Port
Leander Drive, and headed north towards the Dongara
townsite.
Asked how he felt knowing his daughter's attacker
was still at large, Ross said: ``Obviously, it's not
good at all and the quicker the police catch him the
better''.
He said his daughter was recovering from the ordeal,
but the family had cut short their holiday and
returned home.
``She's obviously very traumatised, had no desire to
stay in Dongara or the campsite. She's been better
since she's been in familiar surroundings.''
He praised the support of police, family and friends
who had rallied around to help him and his young
daughter and urged anyone with information about the
identity of the man to contact detectives.
Anyone with information about the attack or the
man's identity is urged to call Crime Stoppers on
1800 333 000.
Police appeal after girl approached by man – Ambarvale
Friday, 18 Sep 2009 02:54pm
NSW Police are appealing for information after a 14-year-old girl was approached by a man in a Commodore sedan in Sydney’s south-west last night.
About 8.30pm yesterday, the teenager was walking along Dickens Road at Ambarvale and was nearing Copperfield Drive when a white Commodore sedan, with a red P-plate slowed down beside her.
The driver asked for directions and the teenager has continued walking along Copperfield Drive.
The girl has heard a car door open and felt someone grab her school bag. The man has let go of the bag, returned to the vehicle and driven off.
The teenager has hidden in the bushes before returning to her home and alerting police.
The man has been described to police as being aged between 19-20-years old, 170cm tall and of medium build. He spoke with a deep voice.
When he was last seen the man was wearing a bright yellow baggy jumper and dark trousers. It is also possible the man was wearing a dark beanie.
The Commodore was being driven by another man, who was not further described to police.
Anyone who might have witnessed the incident or know of the whereabouts of the men or their identity is urged to contact Campbelltown Police via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000
Man charged after harassing school girls - Leichhardt
Friday, 18 Sep 2009 05:34am
A man has been charged after allegedly harassing girls on a school bus in Leichhardt yesterday.
About 4:00pm the man boarded a bus at the bus stop on Mountain Street, Ultimo. The majority of students on the bus were school children aged 12 to 16.
Once on board the bus the man allegedly sat next to a school girl and grabbed her on the shoulder.
The bus driver demanded the man leave the bus however he allegedly refused and approached further school girls and began touching them.
Police were contacted and all passengers except the man got off the bus.
A short time later police attended and arrested him.
The 46-year-old Summer Hill man was taken Newtown Police Station where he was charged with offensive conduct and offensive language. He was refused bail to appear it Newtown Local Court this morning.
Police conduct inquiries after child approached – Lake Illawarra LAC
Thursday, 17 Sep 2009 02:16pm
Detectives are conducting inquiries after a schoolgirl was allegedly approached by a suspicious man at Barrack Heights, south of Wollongong.
The 12-year-old girl was walking east along Cassia Street just after 8am yesterday (Wednesday 16 September) when a van pulled up alongside her and the elderly male driver spoke with her.
The man allegedly asked the schoolgirl whether she wanted a lift.
The girl declined the lift and, fearing for her safety, ran towards Daphne Street. The man then drove from the area.
The child reported the incident to the school principal, who contacted police from Lake Illawarra Local Area Command.
Officers attended the school and conducted inquiries. A canvass of the area where the incident occurred will be carried out in a bid to identify any witnesses.
The man’s been described as being of white/European appearance, with slim build and grey spiky hair.
His van has only been described as being light-coloured.
Anyone with information about the incident or who witnessed anyone acting suspiciously in the Barrack Heights area yesterday morning is urged to contact Warilla Police Station via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Meanwhile, the incident has prompted police to issue the following general safety advice and tips for children and parents.
GENERAL SAFETY ADVICE
Parents should be alert to the safety of their children and where they are at all times.
It is recommended that, where possible, children are escorted to and from school by an adult. If this is not possible, they should walk in groups with other children.
Parents should walk the route to and from school with their children. Make sure it is the safest way to travel and, if possible, use busier roads and streets or paths where other people are likely to be. Avoid back lanes and short cuts through isolated areas.
Talk to your child about where they should go if something happens to them such as a shop, service station, police station or school. Teach children buildings that are ‘safe’, like the police station with the blue check symbol.
Use common signs to help children identify ‘safe adults’ they can approach for help. For example, the police blue checked square, their own doctor’s surgery, a library, an information sign at a shopping centre or a hospital if there is one close to home or school.
Parents and caregivers should encourage their children to develop some simple prevention strategies that can apply across a range of situations to help the child know what to do.
Always tell your children if someone other than you is going to pick them up from school. If your child is in a childcare centre, always inform the staff if someone other than yourself will be collecting the child.
Tell your children to avoid talking to people they don’t know, including people in cars that pull over to the side of the road, and instil in them that they should never go anywhere or get into a car with someone they don’t know.
These strategies should never replace adequate supervision but will assist a child when he or she is unsure what to do and help develop personal strengths to respect their own body and space.
GENERAL MESSAGES
Child abduction is very rare in NSW.
The Child Protection and Sex Crimes Squad monitor reports of attempted abduction or abduction on a state-wide basis.
Police take reports of these matters very seriously and conduct investigations into each of them.
Reported suspicious behaviour can sometimes be misinterpreted by children.
Reports of attempted abductions have increased in recent times. An explanation for this could be that children, parents, teachers and the community have become more vigilant to the possibility of abduction attempts and are more likely to make official reports.
Increased level of reporting from the community sometimes coincides with increased media reports of possible abduction attempts.
NSW Police thoroughly investigate each and every incident of reported attempted abduction of children. We take a “better safe than sorry” approach to all reports of suspicious activity around children and will thoroughly investigate any reports.
We encourage all members of the community to report suspicious activity to police when they see it.
It assists police greatly if reports are made promptly and that as much detail as possible can be provided about the descriptions of suspects and their vehicles are noted.
In particular, the provision of vehicle registration numbers allows the rapid resolution of matters.
Police investigate abduction attempt – Bulli
Thursday, 17 Sep 2009 08:39am
Wollongong Police will resume a canvass of a street in Bulli after a man tried to pull a teenage girl into his car yesterday afternoon.
The 14-year-old girl has told police she was walking along Park Road and had turned into Railway Street about 1.15pm when a man got out of a red car and approached her.
She told police the man yelled at her to get in the car, then grabbed her shoulder and tried to pull her towards the vehicle.
The child pulled away and ran to a friend’s home nearby and police were called.
Police searched the area and conducted a canvass of the neighbourhood. They will be talking to the child and checking the area again today.
Police have been given a description of a man they believe will be able to assist with their investigation into the incident.
The man is described as being of white/European appearance, about 20 years old, about 170cm tall and of a medium build. The man has short dark hair and a fair complexion. At the time he was wearing a dark-coloured long-sleeved shirt and board shorts. He was driving a red medium-sized car with yellow registration plates and green ‘P’ plates.
Police are keen to speak with anyone who may have been in the area of Railway and Park Road about 1.15pm and saw the incident. Police can be contacted at Wollongong Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Following are general safety advice and tips for children and parents.
GENERAL SAFETY ADVICE
Parents should be alert to the safety of their children and where they are at all times.
It is recommended that, where possible, children are escorted to and from school by an adult. If this is not possible, they should walk in groups with other children.
Parents should walk the route to and from school with their children. Make sure it is the safest way to travel and, if possible, use busier roads and streets or paths where other people are likely to be. Avoid back lanes and short cuts through isolated areas.
Talk to your child about where they should go if something happens to them such as a shop, service station, police station or school. Teach children buildings that are ‘safe’, like the police station with the blue check symbol.
Use common signs to help children identify ‘safe adults’ they can approach for help. For example, the police blue checked square, their own doctor’s surgery, a library, an information sign at a shopping centre or a hospital if there is one close to home or school.
Parents and caregivers should encourage their children to develop some simple prevention strategies that can apply across a range of situations to help the child know what to do.
Always tell your children if someone other than you is going to pick them up from school. If your child is in a childcare centre, always inform the staff if someone other than yourself will be collecting the child.
Tell your children to avoid talking to people they don’t know, including people in cars that pull over to the side of the road, and instil in them that they should never go anywhere or get into a car with someone they don’t know.
These strategies should never replace adequate supervision, but will assist a child when he or she is unsure what to do and help develop personal strengths to respect their own body and space.
GENERAL MESSAGES
Child abduction is very rare in NSW.
The Child Protection and Sex Crimes Squad monitor reports of attempted abduction or abduction on a state-wide basis.
Police take reports of these matters very seriously and conduct investigations into each of them.
Reported suspicious behaviour can sometimes be misinterpreted by children.
Reports of attempted abductions have increased in recent times. An explanation for this could be that children, parents, teachers and the community have become more vigilant to the possibility of abduction attempts and are more likely to make official reports.
Increased level of reporting from the community sometimes coincides with increased media reports of possible abduction attempts.
NSW Police thoroughly investigate each and every incident of reported attempted abduction of children. We take a “better safe than sorry” approach to all reports of suspicious activity around children and will thoroughly investigate any reports. We encourage all members of the community to report suspicious activity to police when they see it.
It assists police greatly if reports are made promptly and that as much detail as possible can be provided about the descriptions of suspects and their vehicles are noted. In particular, the provision of vehicle registration numbers allows the rapid resolution of matters.
Any suspicious behaviour should be reported to Triple Zero (000) while it is occurring, otherwise members of the community with information should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Police seek public assistance following indecent assault on schoolgirl – Parramatta
Monday, 07 Sep 2009 04:43pm
NSW Detectives are seeking public assistance after a school girl was indecently assaulted at a western Sydney school.
About midday today, a 12-year-old girl was in the grounds of a secondary school on Macarthur Street, Parramatta, when she saw a man acting suspiciously near some garbage bins.
Concerned for her safety, the girl attempted to run from the area; however, the man knocked her to the ground and indecently assaulted her.
The alleged offender left the area and the girl sought assistance from other students.
Police from Parramatta Local Area Command attended and commenced inquiries.
A crime scene has been secured and is being examined by forensics officers.
Stewart Street has been closed to traffic as police continue their investigations.
The girl has been taken to The Children’s Hospital at Westmead for treatment.
Detectives are now seeking public assistance as they try to locate the alleged offender.
The man’s been described as being aged in his mid-30s, of white/European appearance, more than 170cm tall with an average build, brown medium-length spiky hair and long nose. He was last seen wearing a grey hoodie and dark blue jeans and had a black mask concealing his eyes.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information that might assist investigating officers is urged to contact Parramatta Police Station via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
MANNING ATTEMPTED ABDUCTION
20 August 2009
(WA) Kensington Detectives are seeking to identify a man who attempted to persuade two school children into his car in Manning on Monday 17 August 2009.
At around 9am, two boys aged 9 and 10 years, were walking along the footpath on Marsh Avenue in Manning on their way to school.
Near the intersection of Marsh Avenue and Henning Crescent, the two were approached by a man driving a white, two-door Toyota Hilux. 
He wound down his window and spoke to the boys.
The two became frightened and ran to the house of one of the boys, where they waited for a short time. They saw the car driving away as it turned left onto Manning Road.
The children reported the incident to the school after walking there a short time later.
The man is described as being pale skinned, aged in his 40s, of slim to medium build, with short brown hair and clean shaven.
He may also have been wearing a black beanie, a long sleeve light blue jumper and a tattoo on his right shoulder.
Anyone who can assist police with their inquiries is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Police release COMFIT after teenage girl allegedly grabbed by man – Lake Munmorah
Wednesday, 02 Sep 2009 05:15am
Police have released the COMFIT of a man who might be able to assist with inquiries after a teenage girl was allegedly grabbed by a man on the State’s central coast one month ago.
About 3.20pm on Sunday 2 August, a 13-year-old girl and her sister were riding their bikes along Elizabeth Bay Drive, Lake Munmorah, when a male has grabbed her and pulled her from her bike.
The girl struggled free and the man was seen to run into the bushes where a second male was heard but not seen.
The man is described as being white/European in appearance, medium build, 170-175cm tall, tanned complexion, with short brown messy hair. He was wearing a light blue T-shirt and long beige shorts.
A vehicle was seen driving at speed away from the area and is described as a late model white sedan with yellow and black NSW plates.
The two girls ran to the nearby road and flagged down a passing motorist. At the time a blue sedan was seen by one of the girls, however, did not stop. Police would like to speak with the driver of the vehicle as they might be able to assist with inquiries.
Investigators have released a COMFIT of a man who might be able to assist with inquiries.
Police are appealing for anyone with information about the incident or who saw a man or men acting suspiciously in the vicinity of Elizabeth Bay Drive to contact Tuggerah Lakes Local Area Command or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Alleged attempted abduction - Beverly Hills
Friday, 28 Aug 2009 01:22pm
NSW Police have renewed their appeal for the public to remain vigilant following an alleged attempted abduction of a teenage girl at Beverly Hills in Sydney’s south-west.
About 3.10pm yesterday (Thursday 27 August 2009), a 14-year-old girl was walking in Ponyara Road, about 20 metres from King Georges Road.
A white van containing two men allegedly performed a U-turn and stopped about one metre behind the teenager.
The back sliding door of the van had been opened and one of the men allegedly called to the girl.
The teenager, who was concerned for her welfare, then ran to her home and alerted her parents who contacted police and reported the alleged incident.
Investigators would like to speak to two men who may be able to assist with inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the alleged incident.
The first man, who was allegedly driving the van, is described as being of Mediterranean / Middle Eastern appearance, aged in his early 20's, with short black hair. At the time of the alleged incident he was wearing a red t-shirt with an Adidas logo.
The second man is described as being of Mediterranean / Middle Eastern appearance and aged in his early 20's. At the time of the alleged incident he was wearing a black Russell athletic long sleeve jumper, black tracksuit pants with stripes down the side of the pants (possibly Adidas brand), black shoes, and a white and black ‘Nike’ baseball cap.
The white van is described as possibly being a Mitsubishi Delica van with yellow and black number plates, and a red ‘P’ plate on the rear of the vehicle. There was no writing on the van and no seating in the back of the van.
Anyone with information about the alleged incident, or the current whereabouts of the van, or two men who may be able to assist with inquiries, is asked to contact Hurstville 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.
Alleged attempted abduction - Werris Creek
Thursday, 27 Aug 2009 10:42am
NSW Police are appealing for the public to remain vigilant following an alleged attempted abduction of a child at Werris Creek in the state’s north-west.
About 3.30pm on Tuesday (25 August 2009), a seven-year-old girl was in Fletcher Street when she was allegedly approached by a man in a dark green Toyota 4WD.
The girl alleges the man told her to get into the car, offered her a lollipop, and promised to take her home. The child ran away from the vehicle which was then driven from the scene by the man.
Police would like to speak with a man who may be able to assist with inquiries into the incident. He’s been described to police as being of white / European appearance, 25 to 35-years-old, with olive complexion, short dark hair, a small scar under his right eye, and a tattoo on his left hand.
Anyone with information about the alleged or similar incidents, or the identity or current whereabouts of a man who may be able to assist with inquiries, is asked to contact Tamworth Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Police are urging 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.
Girl approached - Liverpool
Monday, 17 Aug 2009 11:34am
NSW Police are appealing for public help to locate a man who approached a young girl at Liverpool yesterday.
About 11am, the 12-year-old was walking along Charles Street at Liverpool, when a man driving a late model white Toyota Corolla waved at the girl.
The girl did not respond and the car continued for a short distance before stopping and quickly reversing backwards for about 100 metres on the wrong side of the road to her position.
The man began to speak with the girl before allegedly trying to coax her into his car three times.
The child refused before walking away and calling her mother.
The man is described as being of Middle Eastern appearance, approximately 40-years-old with light tan skin, shaved black hair but an unshaven face. He appeared to be wearing a dark blue T-shirt.
Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has any information which may assist police is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Police continue to remind the public about the ‘Safe People, Safe Places’ messages, which parents and carers are encouraged to teach their children. These messages include:
· 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.
· 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.
Attempted abduction charge,
Rockhampton QLD:
Last updated 12/08/2009
A 45-year-old man
faced court today after
being charged with attempted
taking child for immoral
purposes yesterday. The man
was charged after an alleged
incident with an under age
girl on Glenmore Road at
North Rockhampton on August
8. The man was given bail
and is due to re-appear in
Rockhampton Magistrates
Court on September 23, 2009.
Police
allege
a
man
tried
to
grab
child
Kieran Campbell | 13th August 2009
A ROCKHAMPTON man was yesterday released from custody after allegedly trying to convince a 10-year-old girl to get in his car at the weekend.The man, 45, is accused of approaching the girl as she walked home along a Rockhampton street late on Saturday afternoon.
He is charged with attempting to take a child under 12 for an immoral purpose.
Prosecutor Barbara Barton yesterday told Rockhampton Magistrates Court the man made comments to the girl that “she was a pretty little thing” and made several requests for her to get into his vehicle.
It's alleged he only drove away when witnesses approached his car.
The girl described the man as having “poor teeth” and that he had missing teeth on the bottom of his mouth, Ms Barton said.
The accused, who matched the girl's description, was found in St Lawrence and later interviewed by police.
Ms Barton said the man admitted to police he was in Rockhampton on Saturday and would have been driving his vehicle in town.
Defence lawyer Justin Hoolihan said his client had denied the charges.
Applying for the man's bail, Mr Hoolihan said his client lived by himself and had a serious alcohol problem.
Police objected to bail on the grounds there was danger to the safety and welfare of the public.
Magistrate Annette Hennessy granted the man bail on the condition he didn't approach any child under the age of 16.
Ms Hennessy ruled the man had to reside with his sister and report to police every Saturday.
She said he was only allowed to drive a vehicle to work at St Lawrence on Sunday afternoons and home to Rockhampton on Friday nights.
It was adjourned to September.
Porn
maker urged others to 'snatch a
child'
Posted
Tue Aug
11, 2009 2:11pm AEST -
ABC
A Hobart
court has heard a child
pornographer used an internet
chat room to encourage another
person to abduct a child.
Lindsay Gordon Latham
pleaded guilty to more than 90
charges, including distributing
and producing child exploitation
material.
The 53-year-old from New
Norfolk has served a sentence of
10 months in prison, with a
four-month non-parole period.
The Director of Public
Prosecutions, Tim Ellis, has
appealed against the sentence on
the grounds that it is
manifestly inadequate.
Mr Ellis told the Court of
Criminal Appeal that Latham
encouraged another man to
"snatch a child off the street,"
and on another occasion told a
chat room he would like to buy a
three-year-old girl.
Mr Ellis said Latham's
actions amounted to disturbing
and brutal child exploitation.
The maximum penalty for
each count of distribution and
production is 21 years in
prison.
The court has reserved its
decision.
Police seek assistance to
identify man following suspicious behaviour near
chidlren - Bellingen Valley
Tuesday, 11 Aug 2009
03:39pm
NSW Police have released an image of a man they wish
to speak to in relation to an incident of a child
being approached in north Bellingen on July 17.
About 3pm a man was seen acting in a suspicious
manner near a pre-school in the north Bellingen
area.
A short time after the incident he was seen getting
into a white Holden Commodore station wagon,
possibly a 2000 model with black trim down the
sides.
The incident is similar in nature to another
incident that occurred in the Bellinger Valley area
in May 2009.
Police are requesting information from members of
the public which may lead to the identity of the
man.
He was described to police as being white/European
in appearance, 55 to 60-years-old with a solid to
fat build and bald head.
At the time he was wearing a grey sloppy joe and
grey track suit pants.
If any person has information that may lead to the
identity of this man they are asked to call Crime
Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Police seek assistance to
identify man following obscene exposure — Baulkham
Hills
Tuesday, 11 Aug 2009
02:01pm
NSW Police are seeking public assistance after a man
allegedly committed an act of indecency in front of
a teenage student in Baulkham Hills last month.
About 7.50am on Wednesday 29 July a 15-year-old girl
was waiting for a school bus on Baulkham Hills Road
when she was approached by a man, who engaged her in
conversation.
The man then allegedly made obscene comments and
exposed himself before the girl ran away and alerted
authorities.
The man was described to police as being about 50 to
60-years-old, with dark skin and short dark hair,
165 to 170cm tall of Mediterranean/Middle Eastern
appearance, with a medium build, brown eyes and
short, stumpy legs.
At the time of the offence he was wearing brown or
grey coloured shorts, a navy blue T-shirt and
joggers.
Police from The Hills Local Area Command are
continuing investigations into the matter and have
released a com-fit of a man they believe may be able
to assist with their enquiries.
Anyone with information about the man’s identity is
urged to contact Castle Hill Police Station on 9680
5399 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Sunday 02-Aug-2009 (1455 hrs CST)
Indecent Behaviour – Tennant Creek – 4344701
Tennant Creek (NT) Police have issued the comfit of a man believed to have
behaved indecently in front of two young girls yesterday.
Police received the report of indecent behaviour just before 4:30pm.
The girls aged 10 and 11-years-old told police they were walking past Sporties
Club at 4pm when they were approached by an older man in a 4WD station wagon
vehicle.
The man started asking the girls questions about Tennant Creek before asking
sexual questions.
The girls noticed the man behaving indecently and ran to the police station and
told police.
The man is described as being of Caucasian appearance, in his fifties or sixties
with short grey shaved hair, short grey beard and overweight wearing large round
glasses. He was wearing a blue polo shirt with black vertical stripes in the
middle.
The vehicle the man is driving is similar to a late model Nissan Patrol with a
sunroof, snorkel, silver bumper bar and aerial on the front bumper. The car has
caravan extension side mirrors and spare tyre with either a white or silver
cover on the rear of the vehicle.
Police urge anyone who may have seen the man or have information of his
whereabouts to contact them on 131 444.
Police reiterate the ‘Stranger Danger’ message to parents and their children,
Recognise the danger
Refuse any offer
Run away
Report it to the first person they feel safe with
Police appeal for information and urge women to
be vigilant following assaults - Sydney's east and inner-west
2009-08-03 15:33:37
Police are seeking public assistance as they investigate a series of assaults on
women in Sydney's inner-west and eastern suburbs over the past week.
Detectives across the Central Metropolitan Region are inquiring into the attacks
on a number of women at Annandale, Bondi, Glebe, Kingsford, Pyrmont and Rose
Bay.
A strike force has been formed incorporating Central Metropolitan Region and
State Crime Command Detectives to examine whether there are any possible links
between the incidents.\n\nThe incidents have prompted police to warn women
living or working in Sydney's eastern and inner-western suburbs to be extra
vigilant about their personal safety and to avoid walking alone late at night or
early in the morning.
The latest incident occurred about 3.45pm yesterday (Sunday 2 August) when a
35-year-old woman left her Kensington home to go for a walk. As she was
walking through Kingsford, she was assaulted by an unknown man, who also
threatened her with a weapon.
The woman suffered minor injuries as a result of the incident.
Detectives are seeking public assistance as they continue their investigations
into the incidents.
The man's been described as being aged in his late 20s or early 30s, of
white/European appearance and 180cm tall with a slim to medium build.
Police are advising women to stick to major routes and roads and don't take
short cuts.
Eastern Beaches Local Area Command Crime Manager, Detective Inspector Paul
Pisanos, said women are encouraged to use footpaths that are well lit and open.
"Women should consider walking in groups and changing direction if they think
you are being followed and seek a safe place," Detective Inspector Pisanos said.
Anyone with information that might be of assistance to investigators is urged to
contact Glebe Police Station via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Saturday
01-Aug-2009 (1315 hrs CST)
Stranger Danger –
Update 1 - 4343610
N.T. Major Crime Detectives have arrested and charged a
39-year-old man believed to be involved in an
incident involving children earlier this week.
Following further investigations, police believe the
man assaulted two children at the Fannie Bay Yacht
Club on Thursday night.
It appears the man approached a group of children
playing in a secure play area through the fence.
The children went over to the man who has allegedly
spoken to them before the children turned and ran
away.
One of the children informed his parents immediately
resulting in the alleged offender fleeing the area.
The man was arrested at his home address by
Detectives yesterday afternoon and has been charged
with a number of offences including two counts of
aggravated assault and one count of deprivation of
liberty.
He has been refused bail and will appear in the
Darwin Magistrates Court on Tuesday 4 August.
|
|
|
Friday 31-Jul-2009 (1250 hrs CST)
Stranger Danger - Incident in Fannie Bay
Northern Territory Police are reminding parents to talk to children about
‘Stranger Danger’ following reported incidents which occurred in the vicinity of
the Darwin Sailing Club, Fannie Bay.
Major Crime Detectives are investigating an incident which occurred last night
at approximately 7pm which may be related to another incident earlier in the
week nearby.
A group of seven children aged between three and nine years of age were playing
in a secure play area when they were approached through the fence by an unknown
male.
The children went over to the male who has allegedly spoken to them before the
children turned and ran away.
One of the children informed his parents immediately resulting in the alleged
offender fleeing the area.
Following searches of the surrounding area, Police have been unable to locate
anyone matching the description of the alleged offender.
He is described as Caucasian male, 30 to 40 years of age, skinny build and
around 160cm tall.
He has short, wavy dark/black hair with no facial hair observed. He was wearing
a dark green VB shirt with VB motif on the left breast, khaki shorts, socks and
shoes.
Police are currently conducting further interviews and forensic testing and hope
to prepare a comfit to further assist the investigation.
Major Crime Detective Senior Sergeant Jason Bradbury said while every effort
will continue to find the alleged offender, this is a timely reminder for
parents to reiterate the ‘Stranger Danger’ message to their children,
“It is important that any such incidents are reported to Police immediately and
I would encourage 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.”
Anyone with information in relation to this incident or who may have seen
someone matching the description in the Fannie Bay, Sailing Club area around 7pm
last night should contact Police immediately on 131 444.
Child assaulted, police seek witnesses -
Sydney CBD
2009-07-19 09:55:02
Police are investigating an alleged assault of a four-year-old girl inside a
store in Sydney's CBD last Friday (17 July).
Shortly before 3pm a four-year-old girl was with her mother inside a George
Street bookstore when she was approached by a man who possibly sexually
assaulted her.
The child immediately reported the incident to her mother, who confronted the
man in a different area of the store, before he ran from the shop and into
George Street.
The woman attended North Sydney Police Station about 3pm yesterday to report the
incident, which is being investigated by police from The Rocks Local Area
Command.
Police are appealing for public help to identify the man, who is described to
police as being aged in his early 30s, 180-187cm tall, with a 'ruddy'
complexion, fair/pink skin, a large nose, bushy eyebrows and medium build.
At the time of the incident he was wearing a cream-coloured long-sleeved knit
jumper with a zipper down the middle.
Members of the public who witnessed the incident, or with information about the
man's possible identity, are urged to contact The Rocks Police Station or Crime
Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Children reportedly
approached by man - Lalor
Park
2009-07-15 05:20:26
NSW Police are appealing for
public assistance after two
young boys were reportedly
approached by an unknown man
in Sydney's west yesterday.
About 1pm (Tuesday 14 July)
two eight-year-old boys were
walking along Gilmore Road
at Lalor Park, when a man in
a white station wagon
reportedly stopped near
them.
The man asked the boys to
get in the car. The boys
refused and continued
walking. The man drove away.
Police canvassed the local
area and are investigating
the incident.
Investigators are appealing
for a man who might be able
to assist with their
inquiries. He is described
as being aged about 40, with
short black curly hair.
Anyone who witnessed the
incident or any suspicious
activity in the area is
urged to contact Blacktown
Police or Crime Stoppers on
1800 333 000. This reported
incident is a reminder for
parents to reinforce the
'safe people, safe places'
messages with their children
and children are urged not
to get into cars with
strangers.
Parents are urged to discuss
with their children where
they should go if something
happens, including a police
station, shop, service
station or school.
They should reinforce to
children that under no
circumstances should they
get into a car with a person
they do not know.
Man arrested for obscene
exposure at youth -
Willoughby
2009-06-19 15:46:23
A man was arrested and
charged this morning after
he allegedly exposed himself
to a youth on Sydney's north
shore.
The 10-year-old Willoughby
(NSW) girl was
confronted by the man on two
separate occasions during
the month while walking home
from school. The incidents
allegedly occurred on Monday
1 June and again on Monday
15 June.
Acting on information
provided by the young girl,
police arrested and charged
the 47-year-old Wahroonga
man with two counts of
wilful obscene exposure
in/near a public place or
school.
The man has been bailed to
appear at Hornsby local
court for mention on
Wednesday 15 July 2009.
Parents encouraged to
reinforce 'Safe People, Safe
Places' messages to children
2009-06-19 12:31:10
Parents are being encouraged
to reinforce 'Safe People,
Safe Places' messages with
their children after reports
of several alleged incidents
across metropolitan Sydney.
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.
Detective Superintendent
John Kerlatec, Commander of
the Sex Crimes Squad, said
children should also be
encouraged to walk near
busier roads and streets, or
use paths where there are
lots of other people.
"When possible, children
should not use back lanes or
short cuts where there are
not many people," Detective
Superintendent John Kerlatec
said.
"It is important children
and young people also know
to immediately alert a 'safe
adult' if they are
approached by a person who
makes them feel scared. This
information should be
immediately reported to
police," he said.
Police from commands across
metropolitan Sydney are
investigating several
alleged incidents and are
appealing to the public for
assistance. Information
about the incidents can be
provided via Crime Stoppers
on 1800 333 000.
About 8.45am yesterday
(Thursday 18 June) a white
van pulled into the driveway
of a home on Coonong Road,
Gymea Bay. A nine-year-old
schoolboy, who was walking
along the footpath, has told
police two men got out of
the van and ran towards him.
The boy ran away and raised
the alarm. Both men were
described to police as being
of white/European appearance
and aged 20-30 years with a
medium build and height, and
both wearing sunglasses.
One, who had pale skin and
short black hair, was
wearing a white jumper with
black writing on it and
black jeans. The second man
had a tanned skin and short
brown hair. He was wearing a
red and black striped
long-sleeved shirt and black
jeans. The report is being
investigated by police from
Sutherland Local Area
Command.
About 4.15pm on Wednesday
(17 June) an 11-year-old boy
was walking alone along
Lancelot Street, Blacktown,
when he was allegedly
approached by two males in a
white van. The boy has told
police the men were wearing
balaclavas and full-length
jumpers, and spoke with him
before he ran to a nearby
friend's home. Police from
Blacktown Local Area Command
are investigating the
alleged incident.
About 3.15pm on Wednesday
(17 June) three schoolgirls
aged 12, 13 and 14 were
walking near McHenry Road
when, in the vicinity of
Farmview Drive, Cranebrook,
they noticed an older white
4WD wagon. Three men were
sitting inside the 4WD when
the girls say it began to
follow them. The vehicle
drove away without any of
the men getting out of the
vehicle or speaking with the
girls. The incident was
reported to police about 5pm
yesterday (Thursday 18
June). The vehicle is
described as having four
doors with a wide blue
horizontal stripe across the
bottom side portions, and
faded white paint with rust
showing. The driver was
described to police as being
aged about 50 with thick
unkempt grey hair, a long
beard, obese build, thick
eyebrows and a tanned
complexion. The front seat
passenger was aged 30-40
years with a tanned to fair
complexion and clean shaven,
medium build, and small
nose, and wearing a brown
T-shirt. The backseat
passenger was wearing a grey
T-shirt. Penrith Local Area
Command officers are
conducting inquiries into
the incident.
About 8am on Wednesday (17
June) a 12-year-old boy and
his 10-year-old sister have
told police they were
walking along McKeon Street,
Maroubra, when two men got
out of a white van stopped
near Fenton Avenue. Police
have been told one of the
men followed the children on
foot before they ran into
the nearby school and sought
help from a teacher. Both
men were described to police
as being aged 30-40 years.
One had a medium build and
dark-coloured beard. He was
wearing a light green hooded
jumper, light brown pants
and gloves. The second man
was chubby-faced and was
wearing a brown hooded
jumper and brown pants.
Police from Eastern Beaches
Local Area Command are
investigating.
In each case investigating
police have contacted local
school principals to alert
them to the alleged
incidents.
Meanwhile, other 'Safe
People, Safe Places'
messages parents are
encouraged to teach their
children include:
· 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.
· 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.
Police seek help after man
approached young boy -
Inverell
NSW Police are seeking
public assistance after a
nine-year-old boy was
approached in the State's
north.
About 4:35pm on Tuesday
(June 9) a man approached
the boy at the intersection
of Byron and Otho Streets,
Inverell, and took him by
the hand and led him across
the street.
Once across the street the
child became fearful and
pulled away from the man,
who again took the boy by
the hand and attempted to
lead him away.
The child again pulled away
and walked to a nearby
supermarket.
It is alleged the man the
man followed the boy before
leaving. The boy relayed the
incident to his mother, who
then notified police.
Police have been following a
number of lines of
investigation and have now
released CCTV images of a
man who they believe may be
able to assist them with
their inquiries.
The man is described as
20-30 years old with an
olive complexion, of thin
build and 170-175
centimetres tall.
He was wearing a beanie with
blue and grey stripes,
grey/brown knit jumper,
grey/brown
cargo pants
and white socks with black
thongs.
Anyone with information is
asked to called Inverell
Police via Crime Stoppers on
1800 333 000.
Meanwhile, police are
reminding parents to
emphasise the 'Safe People
Safe Places' messages with
their children. These
include:
· Talking to their
children about where they
should go if something
happens including a shop or
supermarket, service
station, police station or
school.
· Parents should
reinforce to their children
that under no circumstances
they should leave a safe
place or get into a car with
a person they do not know
Two children reportedly
approached by man - Cessnock
2009-05-24 05:23:36
NSW Police
are appealing for public
assistance after two
children were allegedly
approached by a man in
Cessnock yesterday
afternoon.
About 2pm (Saturday 23 May)
an eight-year-old boy and a
nine-year-old girl were
playing in parkland on
Alkira Avenue when a man
approached them.
It is alleged
the man offered the children
money before they both got
into his vehicle, described
as a silver two door utility
with a metal tray and blue
tarpaulin on the rear.
It is further alleged the
man exposed himself to the
girl before she exited the
car and reported the matter
to a group of adults nearby.
Police wish to speak to a
man who they believe may be
able to assist them with
their inquiries.
He has been described as
being aged between 30 and 40
with a tan complexion, large
build and short dark hair.
He was wearing black
sunglasses, a striped shirt,
shorts and brown boots.
This reported incident is a
timely reminder for parents
to reinforce the 'safe
people, safe places'
messages with their children
and children are urged not
to get into cars with
strangers.
Investigations into the
matter are continuing and
anyone who witnessed the
incident or who has
information which might be
able to assist police is
urged to contact Cessnock
Police on (02) 4991 0199 or
Crime Stoppers on 1800 333
000.
Man charged with
stalking/intimidation of
teenage girls - Maitland
2009-05-25 11:07:34
NSW Police from the Central
Hunter Local Area Command
charged a man with the
stalking/intimidation of
four teenage girls at
Maitland last week.
About 4pm on Wednesday 20
May, two 13-year-old girls
and two 15-year-old girls
attended Maitland Police
Station to report the
suspicious behaviour of a
man who had allegedly been
following them in his car.
Police will allege the man
firstly tried to follow the
girls when they alighted
from a bus but they were
able to flee into the nearby
Maitland Mall.
The two older girls have
told police they were then
followed near the Maitland
Railway Station.
Investigators viewed CCTV
footage from the area and
were able to identify a
vehicle.
On Thursday 21 May they
arrested a 28-year-old
Bellbird man who was taken
to Maitland Police Station.
The man was later charged
with stalking/intimidation x
4 and granted conditional
bail to appear at Maitland
Local Court on 22 June.
Police have appealed for
anyone with information
about this or similar
incidents to contact
Maitland Police on 02 4934
0200 or Crime Stoppers on 1
800 333 000.
Abduction, North Ipswich,
QLD:
A
quick-thinking father
prevented his toddler from
being abducted from the
front yard of their North
Ipswich home yesterday
afternoon. The pair was in
their yard about 5pm when a
car pulled up outside the
property. A man got out of
the car and picked up the
young boy, placing him in
the front seat of the
vehicle. The father
approached the man and was
able to remove his child
from the car before the
offender drove off. The
child was not injured in the
incident. The offender is
described as being about 35
years old, of Caucasian
appearance with brown hair.
He was wearing a red
long-sleeved t-shirt and had
a distinctive tattoo on his
right forearm, and was
driving a blue 1990’s model
Ford sedan.
Anyone with
information which could
assist police with their
investigations should
contact Crime Stoppers on
1800 333 000.
Man in white van 'an urban
myth'
By
John Stewart for Lateline
Posted
Sat
May 16, 2009 7:35pm AEST
Updated
Sat
May 16, 2009 7:44pm AEST
In
recent years, many media
reports about men in vans
attempting to snatch
children off the streets has
played on a parent's
greatest fear.
But criminologists say
most of the reports are
false, and the story about
the man in the white van has
become an urban myth.
They believe children
are far more likely to be
harmed by domestic violence
than by strangers.
Last month, a report
about two men in a van
attempting to abduct a
nine-year-old girl on the
New South Wales central
coast sent the media into a
frenzy.
Two days later, police
informed the media that the
attempted abduction report
was false, that the young
girl had made it up.
There was little media
interest in the
clarification. The Daily
Telegraph reported the story
was false on page nine.
"There's nothing more
frightening to a parent that
some complete stranger could
snatch their child and
inflict harm or murder the
child," said Dr Don
Weatherburn, the director of
the NSW Bureau of Crime
Statistics and Research.
"The media know that
and they exploit that."
During last
September's school holidays,
New South Wales police
received 30 reports about
attempted child abductions
in one week.
No child had
disappeared, but that did
not stop images of white
vans appearing on front
pages and on the television.
"Last Friday here in
Auburn, a 12-year-old girl
was being followed around by
a man in a white van," said
one television report. "Two
weeks ago in Tempe a girl
was being followed by two
men in white van, a bit
different to the other two
white vans."
Sydney mother-of-four
Natalie Morris lives in a
street where one of the
attempted child abductions
was reported to have taken
place.
Police were unable to
establish a case, but six
months after the story about
the attempted abduction Ms
Morris says parents and
children in her street are
still living in fear.
"There's a pit in your
stomach thinking I can't let
me kids walk next door
without me being there," she
said. "They've lost their
freedom and they've lost
trying to explore and be
little children."
Dr Weatherburn says
the media knows the vast
majority of reports about
men in white vans trying to
snatch children are false.
"They've got no
interest in telling people
subsequently that it was a
false report or that there
was no evidence that an
abduction took place," he
said.
"They're certainly not
interested in correcting
anything they got wrong at
the time, so people are left
with this after taste,
feeling that abduction is
extremely prevalent."
Ms Morris wants the
media to change the way it
reports child abduction
stories, especially during
the school holidays.
"I'd like to see the
truth," she said. "If it was
untrue, print something just
as big, just as bold, and
say that due to further
investigations it wasn't
true."
Police say they take
all claims of attempted
child abduction seriously,
but reports about men in
white vans often peak during
the school holidays.
The false reports also
waste valuable police
resources.
"It seems to be a
common theme, whether each
and every one is made up I
can't confirm because I
don't know what took place
at the scene," said
Detective Superintendent
John Kerlatec.
"But I can say that
there are several matters
that are totally false that
have involved white vans."
Forensic psychologist
Dr Christopher Lennings says
the urban myth about the man
in the van probably began
when the America's FBI
created of a profile for a
highly organised killer.
"And a typical profile
was a person who had duct
tape and a knife and
scissors and all that sort
of stuff and they could
drive people around in a van
with no windows and that
sort of thing," he said.
The FBI profile of the
man in a van was then picked
up by Hollywood movies, like
The Silence Of The Lambs.
Criminologists say
that children are far more
likely to be harmed by
domestic violence than by
strangers.
"The stranger danger
is grossly over emphasised
in the media," Dr
Weatherburn said.
"It's not interesting
for the media to know that
the majority of harm
inflicted on kids is by
parents or relations.
"The idea of the
stranger walking in and
abducting a child or
murdering a child is given
way too much emphasis, when
the prosaic reality is that
it's the people the child
knows who represent the
biggest threat."
