Rotorua police have been inundated with calls reporting sightings of white vans as they hunt for a man who offered money to a schoolboy.
About 7.45am on Thursday a 10-year-old was offered money to get into a van as he walked along Gordon Rd, Western Heights but he ran off and reported it to a teacher. He was able to give a detailed description to police.
Detective Sergeant Tony Colby said police were following up all calls.
"We've had information come in from members of the public about possible vehicles and we are following up on those but at this stage we have not yet identified the particular vehicle involved in this incident and we have had no other reports of similar incidents occurring, which is reassuring, either Thursday or since."
He said police had also contacted all Rotorua primary schools to make sure they were aware what had happened.
"The schools have got that well in hand."
The van has been described as white with a blue stripe above the windscreen and roof. The windscreen edges might have also been blue. It also had black wheel rims or mags.
Western Heights Primary School principal Brent Griffin said his school, which is near where Thursday's incident happened, was not issuing any extra advice "because it ignites hysteria".
"Our classroom teachers have been made aware and been asked to talk to children," Mr Griffin said.
"It's something we talk about every single year," he said.
"Children are aware of what they should do and it's incredibly fortunate that those put in that situation have been able to use those skills."
He was aware a student was approached last year, but "had the correct tools in her toolbox" to deal with it correctly.
"Parents have done a great job too in talking about stranger danger."
Do you have information? Call Rotorua police on (07) 348 0099. Information can be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
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