News

Police in Folkestone are investigating an incident where a young girl was approached by a man in a car in the Cheriton area this morning (28 November).

The girl was walking along Shaftesbury Avenue at around 8.15 am when a man sitting in the driver's seat of a silver coloured car, possibly a Citreon, spoke to her and put his arm out of the window.

The girl ran to school and reported it to a member of staff who contacted police.

Kent Police have begun high visibility patrols by response teams and neighbourhood officers including PCSOs and liaised with schools in the area to make them aware.

Officers will continue to have a high visible presence in the local area to provide reassurance and to deal with suspicious activity.

Acting Chief Inspector Joe Bushnell, Shepway District Commander said: "I would like to praise this girl for doing exactly the right thing and finding an adult she could trust and reporting it to them."

"The risk of a child being harmed by a stranger in this manner is very low and school children are regularly given advice about what to do if they are frightened of strangers."

"I would advise all parents and guardians to go through the following guidelines with their children to give them an even greater sense of safety."

Never go with a stranger
Never get in a car with a stranger
Never take things from a stranger
Never go off on your own and keep with other children
Never be afraid to say "NO!"

Remember

Avoid taking short-cuts along dark footpaths and try to keep to well-lit areas.
If you are frightened by a stranger run home and tell your Mum or Dad.
If you cannot run home tell someone you can trust like a police officer or PCSO, your teacher, or a grown-up you know well.

If you have information about crime but would prefer to remain anonymous call Kent Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.