Parents on alert as man spotted offering rides

Kamo Primary School principal Ken Ward. Photo / File

Whangarei police are recommending children walk to and from school in groups or with adults after reports a man was offering kids free rides near schools.

Last Monday afternoon students from Kamo Primary School were approached after school by a man they didn't know who offered them a ride in his vehicle. There were also reports of a man doing the same thing near Totara Grove School.

Northland police spokeswoman Sarah Kennett said police were working closely with schools in the area and giving them advice on how to deal with the incidents.

"We recommend children walk in groups or with other adults. If they are worried about anyone approaching them, they should go to the nearest adult or house that they trust and get someone to call police immediately."

Kamo Primary School principal Ken Ward said around four students at the school had been approached and said there had since been an assembly to remind students what to do in that situation.

"Our kids have done the Keeping Ourselves Safe programme, which is run in conjunction with police, and that focuses on talking to people and being around people we trust and people we don't trust and that's been successful.

"All our kids in this situation did the right thing."

Mr Ward said he was proud his students knew what to do.

"They were all assertive, thankfully, and that's awesome. An older student who was approached knew it wasn't right and told her mum right away."

Mr Ward said the incident had caused a lot of anxiety amongst parents and said the school had put extra precautions in place to keep students safe.

"We've put a post on Facebook letting [parents] know we know of the matter and that we've passed it on to police and of course we've put extra staff on the two main streets for extra supervision."

Mrs Kennett said the descriptions of the man were vague and said police were asking anyone who notices any suspicious activity to take down as much detail as they can, including the person's height, weight, clothing or any other distinguishable features and any vehicles they may be using (including the make, model, colour and registration of the vehicle).

Anyone who has seen anything suspicious can call police on (09) 430 4500 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.