Warning to Southampton Parents After Stranger Offers Lifts to Kids
Police are investigating two troubling incidents in Southampton where an elderly man offered schoolchildren lifts home, claiming to know their mothers.
First Incident: Newtown Road, 17 November
The first report came on 17th November on Newtown Road. A child was approached by a white man, aged 50-60, with short grey hair and a slight build. He stopped near the student, offered a lift, and insisted he knew the child’s mother. When questioned about the mother’s surname, the man sped off in an older grey Vauxhall car.
Second Incident: Wildern Lane, Today
Police received two reports of a similar man in his 60s, also with grey hair, driving a silvery car on Wildern Lane. He made inappropriate comments before offering a child a lift home. Again, he claimed to know the child’s mum.
Police Warn Parents and Schoolchildren
Officers urge anyone with information about these vehicles or incidents to get in touch immediately via 101.
Parents are urged to teach children the dangers of talking to strangers and never to accept lifts from them. If approached, children should seek help from an adult, preferably with other children, and call 999 if necessary. Wherever possible, kids should be accompanied to and from school.
For guidance on teaching “Stranger Danger” and safeguarding children, visit Safety4Kids.
Local schools have already sent out alerts to keep parents and pupils vigilant.
