BUNDOORA, VIC. — Yesterday, Parade College sent letters to parents, warning them of a potential pedophile in the area.
The letter states:
“We want to inform you [parents] of a concerning incident that occurred this morning [Thursday, November 13] near the corner of Grange Avenue and Browns Lane in Plenty.
“A white [Toyota] Camry sedan approached a Primary school student from Yarrambat. The male driver made a U-turn, pulled up alongside the student, and asked if he was going to school, which direction he was walking and if he wanted a lift. The student immediately ran home.
“The incident has been reported to the police by the student’s family and the Primary School. At this stage, it is believed to be a random occurrence. As a precaution, we are circulating this information to all families.
“We encourage you to discuss safe travel practices with your children and to remind them to be aware of their surroundings and what to do if they feel unsafe, see something concerning or encounter a situation that makes them uncomfortable. It is important that any suspicious behaviour is reported to a trusted adult or the police. If a situation arises, please also communicate details with the College by contacting (03) 9468 3300.
“While the College is mindful of not creating undue anxiety or alarm, we also want to ensure that you and your children are informed of serious incidents to support their safety [travelling] to and from school. Thank you for your ongoing support.”
Anybody who sights such behaviour, such as cars pulling up alongside children to ‘talk to them’ should contact the police on triple-zero (000) immediately and, if possible and safe to do so, take any details of vehicle make, model, colour and the vehicle’s registration. If possible, also take note of any suspicious person’s description.
Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
