By BRIDGET COOK
A CRANBOURNE father says his son has been stripped of his freedom to ride to school, after a man tried to lure him into his car with lollies last week.
An 11-year-old Cranbourne boy was approached by a suspicious man in a car along Cherryhills Drive about 3.45pm on Thursday 15 May.
Police said the man offered the boy a lolly, which he refused, and then called out ‘come here’.
The boy, who was riding his scooter home from school, rode off and ran into his home just 40 metres down the road.
The boy’s father Peter, who did not want his last name used, said they were so relieved that their son knew what to do in that situation.
“He said he knew it was a bad man straight away,” he said.
“He quickly rode home and the man screeched off when he saw him come inside.
“You think you’re in a good, safe neighbourhood and then something like this happens.
“My son was very shaken up after it, and so are we.”
Peter said they would no longer let their son ride to school.
“We’ve just started letting him ride his bike or scooter to school,” he said.
“We gave him that freedom and independence.
“He’s a really active and fit kid and loved being able to ride to school, so it’s a shame that freedom has been taken away from him because of this.”
Peter urged other parents and children to keep an eye out for any suspicious behaviour and report anything to police.
Casey CIU First Constable Leanne Marshall said police were seeking any witnesses to this incident or anyone who might be able to assist in identifying this man.
“My message to parents is that it is obviously an issue of concern, however be vigilant and if they see anyone matching this description of the male depicted to contact Crime Stoppers,” she said.
“If something similar occurs, my advice to children is to seek assistance from someone nearby and to call triple zero straight away.”
The man was described as about 45 years old, possibly Middle Eastern, with a long brown/grey beard, brown eyes, a gold earring in his left ear and wearing a black shirt.
The man was driving a white 1988 or 1989 Ford XF ute with a canopy.
He was last seen driving along Brookland Greens Boulevard, towards Cranbourne-Frankston Road.
Anyone with information is urged to contact First Const Marshall on 9705 3121 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
