Skateboard saves boy from abduction
A CHILD had to fight off a male driver with his skateboard in an alleged attempted abduction yesterday.
Police are appealing for witnesses after two sibling, aged nine and 12 years, were allegedly approached at about 6pm yesterday while walking along Ryan Street in South Grafton when a vehicle stopped beside them.
Police have been told the male driver attempted to grab the nine-year-old boy who has then hit the man in the head with his skateboard before running to a nearby service station with his sister.
The man drove away in an unknown direction. The vehicle has been described as a maroon Pajero style 4WD.
Police arrived a short time later; however, the parents had already collected the children and taken them home.
Police from Coffs/Clarence Local Area Command attended the home address and are investigating the incident.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information about the whereabouts of the 4WD is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Meanwhile, the incident has prompted police to again encourage parents to reinforce the 'Safe People, Safe Places' messages with their children, including:
- Walk near busier roads and streets, or use paths where there are lots of other people;
- Make sure your parents or another adult you know knows where you are at all times;
- Always walk straight home or to the place you are walking to;
- Know where safe places are - a shop, service station, police station, library or school. If you are ever frightened, you should go to one of these places and ask them to call the police;
- Learn about safe adults you can look for and talk to if you need help - police officers, teachers at school, adults you know and trust;
- Don't talk to people you don't know and never get into a car with someone you don't know. If a car stops on the side of the road and you don't know the person inside, do not stop; and
- If you are scared, call Triple Zero (000) and tell them you are scared.
