Staffordshire Police are appealing for witnesses after a 10-year-old girl was asked to get into a vehicle by a stranger in the Tilling Drive area of Stone on Monday 24th August.
A report was received after a the girl had been spoken to by a man in a vehicle between 2pm and 2.15pm. The man, who was driving what is described as a blue-coloured car derived van, asked her to get into the vehicle. The girl did the right thing by walking away and alerting her mum, who contacted police.
The girl was not harmed in any way but left shaken.
Police are investigating and local neighbourhood officers are carrying out high visibility patrols in the area. CCTV from the locality is now being reviewed.
The witness has described the man as white, with a medium build, no taller than 5ft 8in and aged under 30. He had spiky brown hair, wore glasses and had an eye piercing. His dark-coloured clothing is described as ‘smart’ and he wore Adidas trainers. The man carried a bag across his chest and spoke with a Stoke-on-Trent accent.
Chief Inspector Jane Hewett, commander of Stafford Borough Local Policing Team (LPT), said: “There’s nothing to suggest that children are at any risk. But if they are approached in a similar way they are encouraged to use their common sense and not to talk to strangers. We would advise they walk away and tell an adult, who they know, straight away or ring the police.
“Our advice to parents is to remain calm and vigilant. Continue to take normal, sensible precautions to keep your children safe and if you do see anything suspicious report it to us immediately by ringing 101 or, in an emergency, 999. Please help us by not spreading rumours or panic about this on Facebook or Twitter. If you have any concerns, please contact us on 101 and ask to speak to your local officer.”
Anyone with information on this suspicious incident is asked to contact Staffordshire Police on 101 quoting incident 518 of August 24, or the independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
