Hawke's Bay school children are being reminded of "stranger danger" following reports of a man attempting to photograph them.
Havelock North schools contacted families yetserday and reminded their students about being careful, following a police warning that a man had been seen taking photographs in the vicinity of children walking to school in the suburb.
Police senior sergeant Dave Sutherland of the Eastern District Command Centre said there had been reports of a man aged in his early to mid twenties, with shoulder-length dark dreadlocks and wearing baggy clothing, who had been taking photographs of children without asking if he could.
The man had been seen in the Brookvale/Bale Place area, Mr Sutherland said.
Hawke's Bay Area Prevention Manager Inspector Andy Sloan said police had received one report earlier this week about the man from a concerned member of the public.
"I remind people that if they ever have concerns along these lines that they should never hesitate to give us a call," he said. "We encourage anyone who may have witnessed something similar to this claim to contact Hastings Police."
Police were making enquiries into the matter.
Following advice from police, a number of schools in the Hastings suburb emailed parents yesterday, informing them of these reports.
Schools spoken to by Hawke's Bay Today said they had not received reports from their students about the man, but had reminded students about being careful.
In an email to parents, Te Mata School principal Michael Bain said all students had been spoken to about stranger danger.
Havelock North Primary Principal Nick Reed said they had received information about the person from another school.
As well as families, staff had been informed and were asked to reiterate the "stranger danger" message to their students.
Hereworth headmaster Steve Fiet said none of their students had seen the man.
Speaking to students in an assembly yesterday, he said they understood the importance of being careful, and aware of their surroundings.
"It's just about making sure everyone in the Havelock North area is safe and aware of any dubious people," he said.
Havelock North High School principal Greg Fenton said when the warnings had been brought to their attention, they communicated with students.
He had even wandered the school grounds at lunchtime and answered students questions about the situation.
Police said they would like to hear from anyone who may have seen the man or who may have an idea as to who he is.
- If anything has witnessed something similar to this claim call Hastings Police on 06 873 0500.