An 11-year-old girl did all the right things when she was approached by a suspicious man while walking to school in west Auckland, police say.
The girl was on Wairere Rd in Waitakere around 8:30am on Wednesday when a man in his 30s made a "suspicious approach" toward her.
She refused to talk to the man and ran back toward her home where family members were. She reported it to police later that afternoon.
Detective Senior Sergeant Kim Libby praised the girl's actions, saying it was a pertinent reminder of what to do in a similar situation.
"The message we would like parents to pass on to their children is that if you are approached by anyone who you don't know or trust, run away to the nearest public place or shop and find someone who can call 111 immediately," she says.
Police say the man, described as tanned, skinny and tall with curly brown hair, was driving a dark red or maroon 4WD-type vehicle.
They're treating the approach as an isolated incident, but are still working on finding out who the man is.
Police have been in the area on Thursday talking to people who could help in their investigation.
Anyone who can help identify the man can call police on (09) 426 4555 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Newshub.
