Congleton High School in Cheshire has warned parents of ‘increased vigilance’ after a grey Audi SUV was reported to have approached students at a bus stop near the school gates
Children and parents have been warned to remain vigilant after several reports of suspected kidnapping attempts of students near schools.
Congleton High School in Cheshire has alerted parents after a grey Audi SUV was spotted approaching pupils at a bus stop close to the school entrance. In response, the school has boosted staff supervision as children leave at the end of the day.
The incident, which took place at 3.40pm on September 17, comes after two ‘attempted kidnappings’ elsewhere in the county, where suspects allegedly tried to entice boys into vehicles as they walked unaccompanied in Northwich.
Police foficers have confirmed they don’t think the Congleton and Northwich incidents are linked.
The letter to parents from Congleton High School, obtained by Cheshire Live, states: “Some of you may be aware that in recent days there have been reports of attempted abductions of teenagers in other parts of the local area.
“In Northwich last week, details of two attempted adductions of teenage boys on their way home from school were reported.
“We have recently received reports that a grey Audi SUV has approached Congleton High School students at the Sandbach Road bus stop. We have reported this to police who are supporting us proactively.
“We are also increasing the vigilance of duty staff at the end of the day who will be patrolling areas outside the school until the Sandbach bus leaves. We are keen to ensure that parents are well informed and that we do all that we can to promote safe behaviours both in and out of school.
“We feel that it is important for the whole school community to be aware of the concerns that have been raised with regards to these reports. Tutors will be speaking to students in registration about this concern and how to report it.
“Please have conversations with your child about the potential dangers of interacting with strangers on the way to and from school.”
Concerning the incident in Congleton, a Cheshire Police spokesperson said: “At around 3.40pm on Wednesday 17 September, Cheshire Police received a call from a school in Congleton reporting that a 13-year-old boy had been approached by a teenager in a vehicle whilst he was walking home along Sandbach Road.
“Following a number of enquiries, officers identified a 17-year-old boy and provided words of advice. No further action was taken.”
In Northwich, it emerged that a car containing two men drew up and wound down a window. During the first encounter, the duo questioned the boy about his destination and activities.
The second youngster was told to ‘get in the car’. Both boys refused to interact with the men, headed home and alerted their parents.
A Cheshire Police spokesperson confirmed: “Officers from Northwich are investigating following two reports of suspicious activity in the town. The first incident was reported at 9.41pm on Thursday, August 28 on Fairfield Road. The second incident was reported at 9.23pm on Friday, August 29 on London Road.
“On both occasions, the callers reported that a black car, believed to be a Nissan Juke or similar, pulled up alongside teenage boys and the two male occupants attempted to engage with them. During both incidents the boys have not engaged with the men and at no point have the men exited the vehicle.
“Enquiries are currently ongoing in relation to the incidents and anyone with any information should contact Cheshire Police on 101, or via our website, quoting 25000714801.”
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