Please attribute to Detective Chris Nairn:

Rotorua Police are investigating after a suspicious approach was made to a 13-year-old girl on Monday 14 January.

The girl was walking on Edmund Road in Western Heights at around 10.15am when she was approached by a man driving a blue Ford SUV car.

The girl was uninjured during the incident, but understandably shaken.

We know incidents like this can be very alarming for the community and we want to reassure locals that we investigate all reports of this nature with urgency.

We ask that any other approaches of this nature are reported immediately to Police via 111.

This incident serves as a reminder for families to have discussions around behaviours and actions that are inappropriate or that make a child feel uncomfortable.

We actively encourage people to tell children and young adults to tell a trusted adult about anything that makes them feel unsafe or uncomfortable.

Families should also ensure their children know how to get safely to and from school and other places they go - whether they walk, bike or go by bus.

Anyone with information which could assist our investigation is asked to contact Rotorua Police on 07 349 9400. Information can also be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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