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This is the drawing of the would-be kidnapper’s car, drawn by one of the boys
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Police step up patrols after schoolboys escape snatch
Gemma Rathbone19/ 3/2008
POLICE are stepping up patrols on the borough’s streets, after a man tried to force two schoolboys into his car.
The two separate incidents, which police believe involved the same man, happened on Friday - just three weeks after two other attempted kidnaps, last time targeting young girls.
In the first of the latest terrifying abduction attempts, a man tried to entice an 11-year-old into his car.
The boy was walking home from Werneth School when a dark blue car pulled up alongside him. The driver asked the Bredbury boy to get in, but the lad refused, and ran straight home.
Just 30 minutes later, close to Werneth School in Harrytown, a man tried to persuade another boy - this time a 12-year-old - to get into his car, but he also refused and ran off.
In both incidents the man was described as white, in his 20s or 30s, with short hair, wearing a red top and possibly a baseball cap.
The car he was driving may have had a green trailer like the one in the illustration above, drawn by one of the boys. "That picture is worth a million words," said Det Insp James Ellson.
"We are keen to trace this man because the similarities between the two incidents are many. Patrols have been increased and I would reassure people that there is no need for panic.
"We have had a lot of feedback following door-to-door enquiries and have several promising leads which we are following up. We're hoping for a successful result."
However, Werneth headteacher, Pam Campbell, has advised pupils and their worried parents to remain alert.
She told us: "We are aware of several recent incidents where strangers have approached Werneth pupils while on their way home from school. These incidents have given rise to deep concerns within the school community."
Ms Campbell also issued a joint statement with Damian Cunningham, headteacher of neighbouring Harrytown school.
They said: "The schools are deeply concerned by the recent incidents and have followed the set procedure in advising staff, pupils and the local authority.
"Clear guidance on the importance of staying safe has been issued to students and we will continue to remain vigilant."
There are also two primary schools in the area - St Christopher’s Catholic on Warwick Road and Bredbury Green on Powicke Drive.
Colette Garner, headteacher at St Christopher’s, has sent a letter to all parents, informing them of the incident.
"I have alerted parents," she said. "And would not have sent out such a letter without attaching some importance to the situation."
Councillor Hazel Lees, who is a governor at Werneth, said: "I am sure everyone is very concerned about this.
"I don’t know where these people are coming from. I am relieved that the boys knew to walk away."
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 856 9986 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Friends Leanne and Sheryl said they had heard about the attempted abductions through word of mouth and said they will be keeping a closer eye on their children, who are five and eight.
"We don’t let them go off ahead of us on the way back from school," they said.
"They still play out but they know that if they see anyone they are unsure of they must run home or to a neighbour."
The Bredbury mums said whenever the children visit friends’ houses, other parents stay in contact to let each other know where they are and when they will be home.
They added that they have seen police officers in the area at home time, but not before school, and think schools should be speaking to children more often about personal safety.
Zoe, who has a young toddler, a three-year-old and another baby on the way, said: "Obviously, it’s a bit worrying.
"I just couldn’t believe it when the police came knocking on the door. They told us to keep the children with us at all times and, even if they’re in the garden, to make sure someone is always there.
"My son is coming up to four and he wants to be playing out all the time but I won’t let him out of my sight.
"I’ve tried to explain it so he can understand but I’m not sure he understands how serious it is."
Most recent 2 of 4 user comments
26/03/2008 at 02:27
Got an opinion you want to share?Should less emphasis be placed on the results of tests and more emphasis on general education for children?
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