UPDATE 4pm: Investigators say there was no malicious intent involved with the second incident.
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In a statement released on Wednesday afternoon, NSW police said the driver of the utility had been spoken to after information provided by the public.
“It is apparent that there is/was no malicious intent on his behalf, as he saw that one of the boy’s bikes had a flat tyre as such he attempted to help,” the statement read.
“Please remain vigilant and continue to educate your children on the ‘Safe People, Safe Places’ messages.”
A spokesperson for NSW police said investigations remained ongoing into the first incident.
The man is described as being about 40 to 60 years old with a tanned complexion. He was bald and had rotten teeth with some missing and had no facial hair.
Police are appealing for anyone with information to contact Deniliquin police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
EARLIER: Police are calling for information after three children were offered lifts by a middle-aged man with rotten teeth in the past week at Moama.
The first incident happened on Friday, February 2, about 3pm when a 10-year-old boy was walking along Francis Street.
A man driving a black van pulled close to the boy and asked if he wanted a lift home.
The boy declined, ran home and told his parents, who reported it to the boy’s school and police a short time later.
Police searched the area but were unable to find the man or the van.
The second incident happened yesterday, February 6, when two 12-year-old boys were walking along Perricoota Road about 8am.
This time the boys were approached by a man driving a utility.
Police were told the man had driven past the boys three times before he stopped and asked if they wanted a lift.
He repeatedly asked the boys three to four times, before doing a U-turn and parking on the other side of the road. The man called out again to the boys before driving out of town in a westerly direction.
The boys reported the incident to teachers at their school who in turn contacted police.
Police are appealing for anyone with information to contact Deniliquin police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
The incident has also 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.