Tasmania Police are investigating reports of a suspicious man in a white van who allegedly approached a child while they were walking to school in the Sandy Bay area this week.
The primary school student from Waimea Heights Primary School alerted their parents following the incident on Tuesday morning when a “man they didn’t know” in a white van pulled up beside them and offered them a lift.
“The child declined the lift and no further interaction was reported,” a police spokesperson told Pulse.
The man is described as being between 40 and 60 years old and it is believed that the white van may have had a black stripe on its rear.
In a “Stranger Danger Alert” issued on Thursday evening to parents and students, Waimea School Principal Amy Vince said the student was “safe and well” following the incident.
“The police will be increasing police patrols in the area over the next few days as a precaution,” Vince said.
“I encourage you to have a conversation with your children exploring the importance of protective behaviours and Stranger Danger.”
Simple tips include: Try to walk with friends if you can, be aware of your surroundings and report any suspicious behaviour to the school, parents or police.
The incident comes months after an alleged ‘abduction attempt’ at the nearby Hutchins Early Learning Centre in March.
Anyone with information on the man is asked to contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers anonymously with the reference ESCAD296-05122023.
