Rotorua schools on alert after man approaches teen girl

Clayton Rd, Rotorua, where a teenage girl was approached by a suspicious man in a white ute. Photo/Google

Rotorua schools are taking extra precautions to remind children about stranger danger after two incidents earlier this week.

A male in a white Toyota ute made suspicious approaches to a teenage girl on Clayton Rd on two separate days, prompting a warning from police to be vigilant.

The Ministry of Education has informed schools around the area to be cautious after the incidents, according to local principals.

Western Heights Primary School principal Brent Griffin said they couldn't be blase about it.

"We have six on-duty teachers to cover every exit.

"This afternoon teachers will talk to students about safety procedures, a little bit of work around stranger danger."

Mr Griffin said it was sad, but this wasn't an isolated incident.

"We have to be very aware, react with urgency and make sure our kids get home safely."

Mother of two Lisa Hone has lived on Clayton Rd for three years. Her son, 6, attends Selwyn Primary School.

"I take him to school every day, I take him right to his classroom."

Having heard about the incident she said it did worry her.

"I see children walking past my house to and from school every day, some of those are primary school children walking alone."

Ms Hone thought the schools did a good job teaching the students about stranger danger.

"We were once at the store, I looked away for a second and my daughter had ducked outside.

"A guy tried to give her lollies and she screamed and screamed."

St Michael's Catholic School principal Shelly Fitness said the school had shared the warning from police on its Facebook page and sent a letter home with students.

"It's scary that it's so close to home."

Ms Fitness said the school ran the Keeping Ourselves Safe programme every second year and had a walking school bus along Clayton Rd.

"We don't want to scare the kids away from playing in their neighbourhood and feeling safe.

"Children being children is a big part of our vision."

Police encourage people to report anything that makes them feel unsafe or uncomfortable by calling 111.

Anyone with information or who may have witnessed the white ute are asked to contact Rotorua police on (07) 349 9400. Information can also be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.