Letters sent to parents after 'abduction' incidents
Published 26 Apr 2012 16:00
PARENTS in Dumbarton and the Vale have been sent letters after two incidents in which a man has allegedly tried to entice primary children to accompany him away from school.
At last night's full council meeting Terry Lanagan the letter would be issued to all parents with youngsters attending any of the area's primary school's or nurseries in order to keep them up to date with events.
The move follows two incidents on Friday April 20 and Monday April 23 outside Knoxland Primary School and an earlier incident in March at St Mary's in Duntocher.
The announcement to send the official briefing to all residents come after Councillor David McBride issued an emergency motion about resident's safety concerns.
The council will now work with police officers to provide additional security advice to all schools in West Dunbartonshire and have agreed to review of the decisions taken in relation to security and providing information to parents and the community.
A statement from WDC said:" These alleged incidents currently centre around two pupils who have reported that individuals have approached and spoken to them in the street.
"Police are currently investigating these reports further and until those enquiries are concluded any other comments or information is simply speculation.
The police are not linking these incidents at present and indeed the descriptions of the individuals involved differ significantly.
At no stage has it been reported that there has been any attempt to lay hands on these children.
In many cases like this there are rational explanations for what has taken place. It is important that members of the community stay alert to ensure the safety of their children but do not overly frighten their children.
Given the circumstances there is no evidence to suggest that pupils at other schools are at an increased risk of harm.
"In light of the significant interest these alleged incidents have aroused the Council will be writing to all parents in West Dunbartonshire to update them on the situation.
"The message is clear though, at this time there is nothing to suggest that pupils across West Dunbartonshire are currently at greater risk than normal."
This article appeared in Dumbarton & Vale of Leven Reporter 26 Apr 12
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