Teenage girl approached at Bellambi

POLICE are appealing for public assistance after a 15-year-old girl was allegedly approached by a man at Bellambi yesterday morning.

About 10.30am on Thursday, the girl was walking along Rothery Street toward the neighbourhood centre when she was approached by a white station wagon.Officers have been told a man got out of the vehicle before opening the passenger side door and demanding the girl get into the car.

The girl ran from the vehicle and the man drove away in an unknown direction.The man is described as being of Caucasian appearance, aged 55-66 years, about 160-170cm tall and bald.

At the time he was wearing a white t-shirt and knee-length purple and yellow shorts.The white station wagon also had panel damage to the front passenger side door.

Wollongong police are urging anyone with information on the whereabouts of the man to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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’.