Police are appealing for information after two children were approached by a man in a vehicle at Cessnock on Thursday.
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About 11.30am a 13-year-old girl and her 12-year-old brother were walking along Victoria Street, Cessnock when a faded red-coloured utility stopped beside them.
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 toward their grandmother’s house.
Officers attached to Central Hunter Local Area Command were later contacted and launched an investigation into the incident.
Police would 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.
Police are urging anyone with information in relation to this incident to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.
The incident has 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.