Police are warning school students to walk in groups, stay visible and be wary of strangers after a North Shore boy was reportedly grabbed and forced into a car while on his way to school yesterday.
The 14-year-old was grabbed in Beach Haven by a man with a distinctive dragon tattoo. The teen suffered several seizures during the incident but managed to fight off his abductor.
Now it appears police are proactively warning parents and students across Auckland to stay alert. A letter from police was forwarded to parents by the principal of Mangere Bridge School, giving safety advice on what to do when approached by strangers.
"Police advise students to walk to school in groups whenever possible, and avoid routes that are out of sight from the general public. Police strongly support schools operating walking school buses and it is recommended to utilise these facilities whenever possible."
Children approached by strangers should "decline any invitation and move away from the person and vehicle immediately", the letter said. "If possible they should seek out other students or known people and, if safe, take a note of what the person looks like, a description of the vehicle and the registration number."
They should report the incident immediately and write down details while the memory is fresh. Any information - even if vague - could be useful, police said.