Reported child approach in Cootamundra area

Cootamundra Duty Officer Detective Inspector Scott Wilkinson said the incident occurred on Sunday, May 7.

“A man allegedly approached a group of boys in Wallendoon Street, Cootamundra, about 2pm,” Inspector Wilkinson said.

Police from Cootamundra Local Area Command have been told the man, aged in his 60s, attempted to speak with the boys but they walked away.

At this time, police do not believe an offence was committed; however, they are continuing inquiries.

Meanwhile, police are encouraging 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.

Police are urging anyone with information in relation to incidents such as these, to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au/

Police are reminding people that information provided will be treated in the strictest of confidence and that people should not report crime information via our Facebook and Twitter pages.