Police urge parents to be vigilant, calm

NO arrests have yet been made and Dunedin police continue to urge parents to be vigilant but calm after a suspicious man has approached children walking to and from school.

At least four children have been approached since early last week, but police are unsure if the incidents are linked.

Acting Otago coastal area commander Inspector Matenga Gray said yesterday ‘‘no links between the incidents’’ had been established, ‘‘but our inquiries are focusing on this aspect alongside other information’’.

Police were asked if they were providing more patrols near school areas; if there had been any more complaints; and if anyone had been questioned or arrested in relation to the incidents. Insp Gray said police were continuing their investigations into the four separate reports of suspicious approaches.

The first reported approach of a primary school child happened in Three Mile Hill Rd, Halfway Bush, about 8.30am on Tuesday of last week, when a member of the public intervened and the man drove away.

The second incident happened on Monday morning in Shetland St, Wakari, near Wakari Primary School, where a man asked a young girl to enter his vehicle to help him look for a lost puppy.

On Monday afternoon, a Maori Hill School pupil was approached in Balmacewen Rd while walking home from school.

The latest approach was near the intersection of Warrender and George Sts, near George Street Normal School, about 8.30am on Tuesday.

Dunedin police (03) 4714800, Crimestoppers 0800 555111.