General Crime Members are again reminding parents and children of the Four R’s following two separate attempted abductions this week.

Commander James O’Brien of the Darwin Metropolitan Command said that children and their parents need to be aware of what to do in these situations.

“It was reported that a 14-year-old girl was at a bus stop on Calytrix Drive in Karama on Monday at around 5:00 pm when she was approached by a male,” said Commander O’Brien.

“It is believed that he was driving a white, old and slightly damaged four door vehicle when he stopped to speak to the girl and grabbed her by the arm.

“She did the right thing in refusing his offers and leaving the area on a bus. The incident was reported to Police the following day.

The male involved is described to be of Aboriginal appearance, aged in his early 20’s and approximately 180cms tall. He has brown hair, an athletic build and at the time of the incident was wearing a white t-shirt, long green or blue shorts and possibly a green hat.

“In a separate incident, a 13-year-old boy was walking home from school along Cunningham Crescent in Palmerston at 5:20pm yesterday when he was approached by a male in a vehicle.

“The male tried to grab the victim; however the boy fled the area.

“The alleged offender is described to be of Caucasian appearance, aged around 45 years, approximately183cms tall and heavy build. He has brown short scruffy hair and a small dark moustache. At the time of the incident he was wearing thin black framed reading glasses and a long sleeved black work shirt or jacket with a distinctive fluoro red or orange band around the chest area. He was driving an older model navy blue Toyota Camry with black wheel rims.

“These children did the right thing in fleeing the area and reporting the incident. I again urge all parents across the Territory to sit down with their children and remind them of the ‘Four R’s’:

• Recognise the danger
  
• Refuse any offer
  
• Run away
  
• Report it to the first person they feel safe with.

“Incidents of this nature tug at the heart strings of every member of our community.  In striving to keep our community safe and protecting our children I urge members of the public to be vigilant and if they see any suspicious behaviour near schools or bus stops, to contact Police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

“This also coincides with National Child Protection Week which runs from 4-11 September. For further information visit www.napcan.org.au.”