Police want your help after two children were approached by a man in a vehicle at Cessnock on Thursday.
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A 13-year-old girl and her 12-year-old brother were walking along Victoria Street at Cessnock when a faded red-coloured utility stopped beside them about 11.30am.
The make and model of the vehicle has been described as similar to that of a Ford F100.
The driver attempted to start a conversation with the children who continued walking towards their grandmother’s house.
Officers attached to Central Hunter Local Area Command were later contacted and began an investigation into the incident.
They’re continuing their inquiries and would now like to speak to a man who may be able to assist in the investigation.
The man is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 40 years of age, with straight shoulder-length red hair and he was missing teeth. He was also wearing a flannelette shirt.
Anyone who knows the man’s identity or has any information that could assist police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.
Safe People, Safe Places
The incident has again prompted police to encourage parents to discuss the ‘Safe People, Safe Places’ messages with their children, including;
- Make sure your parents or another adult you know knows where you are at all times.
- Always walk straight home or to the place you are walking to. Walk near busier roads and streets, or use paths where there are lots of other people.
- Know where safe places are – a shop, service station, police station, library or school. If you are ever frightened, you should go to one of these places and ask them to call the police.
- Learn about safe adults you can look for and talk to if you need help – police officers, teachers at school, adults you know and trust.
- Don’t talk to people you don’t know and never get into a car with someone you don’t know. If a car stops on the side of the road and you don’t know the person inside, do not stop.
- If you are scared and can use a phone, call 000 and tell them you are scared.
- If someone tries to grab you, yell out, ‘Go away, I don’t know you’. This lets other people know you have been approached by someone you don’t know
