Police are investigating after a male approached two children at East Maitland. About 4.15pm on Saturday (6 September 2014), a 13-year-old girl and 11-year-old boy were at a playground on Macgowan Street.

Police have been told a youth approached the children and spoke to them inappropriately.

The children left the playground, and the girl told her mother what had happened.

Officers from Central Hunter Local Area Command attended and started an investigation.

They would like to speak with a male who may be able to assist with their inquiries.

He is described as being of Caucasian appearance, aged about 16 years, 160 to 165cm tall, and with a slim build.

At the time of the incident, the youth was wearing a grey hooded jacket, and tan-coloured, three-quarter-length pants.

Police are urging anyone with information about this incident to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: https://www1.police.nsw.gov.au/. Information you provide will be treated in the strictest of confidence. We remind people they should not report crime information via our Facebook and Twitter pages.

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.