Please attribute to Detective Sergeant Dylan Ross
Dunedin Police are investigating two incidents in the past week in which primary aged school children were approached by a man offering them a ride in his vehicle.
The incidents occurred in the suburbs of Halfway Bush and Wakari.
The first incident took place around 8:30am on Tuesday, September 4 at Three Mile Hill Road, Halfway Bush.
We would like to thank a member of the public who intervened, causing the man to drive away.
The second incident occurred on Monday morning, September 10, at Shetland Street, Wakari.
The male driver asked the child to get into his vehicle to help him look for a lost puppy.
The school child refused and the man drove away.
In both cases the children did the right thing, they did not get into the car and they told a teacher as soon as they got to school.
We know that reports of incidents such as these can cause considerable concern for parents and other members of our community.
We would urge everyone to be alert, not alarmed, and to take the opportunity to have conversations with your children about what they should do should they feel unsafe.
This can be with a trusted adult, a teacher or Police.
Police would like to hear from anyone who has information which could assist this investigation.
Anyone who can help should call Dunedin Police on 03-471 4800.
Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
ENDS
Issued by the Police Media Centre