Stranger danger alert

By Melissa Meehan
POLICE have not had any further reports, but parents are still worried that a man offering children lifts is lurking in their midst, waiting to prey on their kids.
Last week the Gazette reported that police were warning residents to stay alert but remain calm following reports of men approaching young girls and boys offering a lift in Pakenham and Berwick.
Detective Sergeant Phillip Jury said Pakenham police had received two reports of a man approaching two young girls on separate occasions, offering them both a lift, about 4pm on Wednesday 23 February.
Coupled with numerous reports of similar incidents in Berwick, social networks like facebook went into overdrive as parents warned others to be on the lookout.
On Monday, Det Sgt Jury said there had been no further reports since the story went to print.
The Gazette knows of one further incident that happened last Wednesday when a boy was approached by a man while he was playing football with friends during recess at a Pakenham primary school.
While the 10-year-old, mildly autistic boy did not leave the school grounds, the man continued to call him over to the fence. His mother, who did not want to be named, said it was a frightening situation.
“He was in the playground and the van was parked on the road outside,” she said.
“My son was playing with three or four other boys when the man went to the fenceline and called out to my son ‘Oi, come over here’ – we’re so lucky he didn’t go with him.”
The boy didn’t report the incident to his teachers, instead waiting until he got home to share the story with his dad.
“That’s when we contacted the principal and police,” his mother said.
“The school was aware of it, but I believe they have since upgraded their alert level from amber to red. So everyone is now aware of the dangers.”
Police have reported the man was driving a white vehicle, possibly a white van or ute with a canopy.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.