Police re-assure parents on abductions threat

Detective Inspector Paul Harker of Darlington Police has reviewed upto 30 calls made by the public regarding suspicious activity involving youngsters in the town.

He has now concluded that none of the cases were actual attempted child abductions.

One man driving a white van who was reported to be acting suspiciously turned out to be a father picking his own child up from school.

The calls started earlier this month when two children were reported to have been approached by a man driving a white van in Haughton Road.

Det Insp Harker, who is leading a team of officers in the investigation, said: "We have received many calls about suspicious activity, usually involving a white van, but none appear to have been attempted abductions.

"In only two cases children were approached and spoken to by someone, but there has never been a case where a person has tried to grab a child or drive away with them."

The police are still appealing to people to be aware and, if suspicious, take notes - such as registration numbers - or anything which may help officers follow up the reports.

"I am not saying there isn't somebody out there approaching children and it is important for parents to remain on the look-out," he added.

"We are getting reports on every white van that might be driving slowly down a street and the descriptions are not consistent. We have reports of small vans, big vans, ones with ladders on the roof.

"There are many reasons why a van may be driving slowly. The driver could be looking for work, or making a delivery and checking the address."

Police are also stressing to drivers of white vans to be extra cautious.

"In today's climate, it is somewhat nave for a driver who is lost to stop and ask a child for directions, but it does happen and it often puts the fear of God in the child.

"I would urge drivers to consider the incidents that have been reported and, if they are unsure of an address, they should check with an adult."