Wellington Police are searching for a man reported to have approached young children in the city over the last month, prompting reassurance patrols and a call for community awareness.
The incidents were reported near the corner of Mt Albert Road and Volga Street in the suburb of Kilbirnie. In response, police have increased their presence in the area to provide community reassurance and gather further information.
Police said the information provided in reports is being formally assessed and that their inquiries are ongoing. They are urging the public to report any suspicious behaviour as they work to identify the individual involved.
Parents urged to be 'alert, not alarmed'
Wellington Area Prevention Manager, Inspector Jason McCarthy, says that while incidents of this nature are understandably unsettling for the community, it is important for parents to remain watchful without causing unnecessary fear.
We understand incidents like this can be unsettling to the community; however, we ask parents to be alert, not alarmed. The children have done the right thing by avoiding the man and telling a trusted adult.
Inspector McCarthy praised the children involved for their response, highlighting that they followed crucial safety advice by removing themselves from the situation and immediately informing a trusted adult. This reaction underscores the effectiveness of teaching children how to respond when they feel unsafe.
He encourages all parents and caregivers to use this opportunity to have open conversations with their children about personal safety. These discussions should focus on identifying behaviours and actions that are inappropriate or make a child feel uncomfortable, rather than just focusing on strangers.
Empowering children with a safety toolkit
Modern child safety education has shifted away from the simplistic 'stranger danger' message, which can be misleading. Research and experts, including the New Zealand Police's own "Keeping Ourselves Safe" programme, now focus on empowering children with skills to identify and react to a range of unsafe situations, regardless of whether they know the person involved.
The core of this approach is teaching children to trust their instincts or 'tummy feelings'. If a situation or person makes them feel scared, confused, or uncomfortable, they should know they have the right to say no, run away, and tell a trusted adult immediately. Parents can help by establishing a "safe network" of at least five trusted adults that a child can turn to for help.
Practical skills are also vital. This includes ensuring children know their full name, their parents' names and phone numbers, and their home address. They should also understand how and when to call 111, and be able to describe what is happening and their location to an operator.
Role-playing different scenarios can be a gentle but effective way to practice these skills. For example, a parent could ask, "What would you do if someone you don't know offered you lollies to help them find a lost puppy?" This helps a child think through their response in a safe and supportive environment.
Community vigilance is key
While police patrols provide a visible deterrent, a safe community relies on the eyes and ears of its residents. The police request for the public to report suspicious behaviour is a critical part of the investigation. This can include observing an adult loitering near a school or playground, paying undue attention to children, or attempting to lure a child away.
Incidents like these highlight the importance of community connection and awareness. As seen in other public safety situations, such as frequent disruptions caused by trespassers on the Hutt Valley train line, public vigilance and timely reporting are crucial for ensuring a swift response from authorities. Neighbours being aware of their surroundings and looking out for one another creates a powerful, passive safety net.
The changing nature of work, with more [Tauranga businesses](https://taurangatimes.co.nz/article/tauranga-businesses-redesign-offices-attract-hybrid-workforc) and others nationwide adopting flexible models, may mean more adults are at home and present in their neighbourhoods during the day. This can contribute positively to informal community surveillance, helping to keep public spaces like parks and streets safer for everyone.
Inspector McCarthy reiterated the importance of discussing safety with family. "We encourage parents and caregivers to have discussions around behaviours and actions that are inappropriate or that make a child feel uncomfortable," he says. These ongoing conversations are the foundation of keeping children safe.
