ACT Policing has launched a new taskforce to investigate reports of suspicious approaches to children across the ACT.
Detective Superintendent for Criminal Investigations with the police, Scott Moller said there had been 14 incidents of suspicious approaches to children reported to police since February.
Detective Superintendent Moller said the new ‘Taskforce Tydeus’ would draw on detectives and intelligence specialists from within ACT Policing to assess all reports both individually and as a whole.
He said the police were doing everything possible to keep children in the ACT safe.
“These incidents are particularly concerning as they have involved unknown men approaching and in some cases physically assaulting a child,” Detective Superintendent Moller said.
“Police continue to appeal to the public for any information in relation to people or vehicles acting suspiciously around children.”
He said that as well as coordinating the investigation of reports, Taskforce Tydeus would be conducting additional targeted patrols, including around schools.
He stressed the importance of reporting information to police immediately.
“The quicker police can respond and attend to an incident of this nature, the quicker they can target the area and surrounds,” he said.
“ACT Policing is working closely with the ACT Education Directorate and will continue to provide safety themed education programs and resources to schools.”
Detective Superintendent Moller urged anyone with information that could assist to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or visit the Crime Stoppers ACT website at this link and refer to Taskforce Tydeus.
“Information can be provided anonymously,” he said.
