Attempted Child Abduction

YESTERDAY a man grabbed a 10 year old girl in Muswellbrook and attempted to get her into a light coloured four door sedan.

The girl had been walking along Bligh Street near Cook Street between 4:30pm and 5pm when the man, believed to the the driver, exited the car, grabbed the girl from behind and began to pull her towards the car.

Fortunately the girl fought the man and was able to break free.

The man returned to his car and drove away before the girl was able to return home and report the incident to her parents and police.

Following inquiries, officers would like to speak with a man who may be able to assist with inquiries.

He is described as being of Caucasian appearance, 196cm tall, aged between 20 and 30 with a slim build; brown eyes and had a black and brown short “goatee” beard.

He was last seen wearing a black hooded top and dark coloured pants.

The car is described as possibly being a light grey BA model (2002 to 2005) Ford Falcon sedan with a dent on the side at the rear of the car.

Meanwhile, the incident has again 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.

Police are urging anyone with information to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or go online to: Crime Stoppers.