Child approached – Mt Colah
Friday, 09 September 2011 10:53:38 AM

Police are appealing for information after a boy was approached by a man at Mount Colah yesterday afternoon. About 3:50pm (Thursday 8 September 2011) a 12-year-old boy was walking along Flinders Place when he was approached by a man near the entrance to the state forest fire trail. Police have been told the man called out to the boy and asked him to go with him claiming his mother was injured.
The boy, who was aware of recent ‘stranger danger’ warnings, ran away and reported the matter to his parents. Police were later notified and conducted a search of the area and a canvas of nearby residences.
The man has been described as being of Caucasian appearance, 20 – 25 years old, 160 – 165cm tall, wearing a long sleeve black hooded top and light coloured shorts.
He is also described as having muscular legs and fat lips. Anyone with information about the identity and whereabouts of the man is urged to contact Hornsby Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Meanwhile police have praised the actions of the boy and wish to remind parents and children about the ‘Safe People, Safe Places’ messages. These include:

• · Avoid walking on your own and instead walk with other family members, friends or an adult you know;
• · Walk near busier roads and streets, or use paths where there are lots of other people;
• · 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;
• · 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; and
• If you are scared, call Triple Zero (000) and tell them you are scared.