Police Issue Warning To Schools Over Abduction Attempts
Police have issued a warning over a series of attempted abductions of schoolchildren.
They have now confirmed that there have been eight incidents where a man has tried to get a child to get in his car.
The incidents took place between November 17th and 25th at:
Newtown Road, Southampton
Satchell Lane, Hamble-Le-Rice
Wildern Lane, Hedge End
Lower Northam Road, Hedge End
Hamble Lane, Bursledon
Ashley Crescent, Southampton
Sholing Road, Southampton
Middle Road, Southampton
In a letter to headteachers, the police said: “I am writing to you following a number of reports we have received recently of a suspicious man in a vehicle approaching children either on their way to school or on their way home.
“I know that officers may have been in touch with you regarding specific incidents that relate to pupils at your school, however I now think it prudent to contact you all about the reports we have been receiving so that we can keep parents informed across both districts and encourage children to remain vigilant.
“The incidents have been reported between November 17 and November 25 and each time the child has described that a man in a car has approached them as they have been walking, and asked them if they wanted a lift, or tried to engage in conversation with them.
“Both boys and girls have been approached. On each occasion they have done the right thing by reporting it to an adult. Incidents have occurred in the morning before school, or on their way home after school.
“No child has got into a car or been hurt in any way. Officers from both Southampton and Eastleigh neighbourhood teams are proactively investigating these incidents.
“I think it would be helpful if we could reassure parents that we are taking these reports seriously and that police are actively investigating them. It’s important to remember that not every report has been the same and therefore we are looking at all lines of enquiry to identify similarities in the descriptions of the car and man that have been reported.
“We understand that these kind of incidents are very concerning for you, parents, and children. It is important to stay alert but not alarmed, remind children that they should not get into anyone’s car, or go with anyone they do not know, and to report the incident to us as soon as possible.”
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