Police from the Newcastle City Local Area Command are appealing for information after a girl was approached by a man in Jesmond yesterday (Tuesday 3 March 2015).

About 5pm yesterday, a 16-year-old girl was sitting on the concrete outside a college on Janet Street.

A 4WD stopped near the girl and the driver offered the teenager a lift. The girl spoke to the man and he drove off.

The girl told her father when he picked her up a short time later. They reported the incident to the police.

Police are hoping to speak with a man who may be able to assist with inquiries. He is described as being aged in his mid 30s, with a dark complexion and brown hair.

The 4WD is described as being a newer model, gold coloured with a partial number plate AO-97.

Police are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the incident, to contact Newcastle City police on (02) 4926 6599 or via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Meanwhile, the incident has again prompted police to encourage parents to discuss the ‘Safe People, Safe Places’ messages with their children, including;
– 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. Walk near busier roads and streets, or use paths where there are lots of other people.
– 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.
– If you are scared and can use a phone, call 000 and tell them you are scared.
– If someone tries to grab you, yell out, ‘Go away, I don’t know you’. This lets other people know you have been approached by someone you don’t know.