"Further Description of Male in Palmerston North Incident"

After further information received today, Police can now release a rough description of the male who pulled a 5 year-old girl into his car on Friday morning, 12 February.

The male is described as being in his late 50’s with grey ‘salt and pepper’ hair and with facial stubble.

He is also described as being 5 foot 9 inches tall, of a slim build and caucasian.

He does have a scruffy and unkept look, and may have some teeth missing.

Police are urging members of the public who have seen a man matching this description in the Shamrock Street area on Friday, 12 February, at approximately 8-8.30am and again on Hind Place later that morning at approximately 11.00am.

Police are continuing to look for information about a white, 1988-1995 model Nissan Maxima which police are interested in.

The vehicle does have a very distinctive back end and people may have remembered seeing it.

While this vehicle may not have been involved, we are keen to hear from anyone who saw it in the areas mentioned above or from the driver of the vehicle itself.

Anyone with information is asked to please call the Palmerston North Police Station on 06 351 3600.

Alternatively, information can also be provided anonymously via the organisation Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Community concerns

Police are aware the addition of more information and the description of the male will continue to cause alarm with families in the Palmerston North community.

We encourage parents and caregivers to continue conversations with their children around how to recognise undesired behaviours from other people.

Unlike this case, most children who are taken by someone know the person in some way so it is key to speak with your children around behaviours they should be avoiding, no matter who is displaying it.

This includes approaches by anyone in unusual places, when anyone asks them illicit questions, or when someone interacts with them inappropriately no matter how small.

Unfortunately, due to the likelihood of the offender being known to the child(ren), the phrase ‘stranger danger’ is outdated.

Parents need to be focussing on the topic of inappropriate behaviour, like those listed previously, when speaking with their children about this type of situation.

There are some key safety precautions that children can use to help prevent these incidents occurring including walking with friends or older relatives, knowing where to go for help and how to raise the alarm as soon as possible.

ENDS

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