Taskforce Tydeus update 6

Child approached in Lyons

ACT Policing Taskforce Tydeus officers are investigating a report of a child approach yesterday afternoon (Thursday, 11 October 2018) in Lyons.

The incident occurred about 4.40pm in Lyons. A man called out to several young children who were in an enclosed playground, in an attempt to coax them toward him. The children immediately reported the incident to staff.

The man is described as being 50-60 years old with a dark complexion, brown eyes, black hair, and a long dark coloured beard. He was wearing a dark coloured suit with vertical stripes, a beret, and carrying a white shopping bag.

The man was last seen walking towards Lyons shops following the incident.

Anyone with information in relation to this incident is urged to contact police.

Taskforce Tydeus

There have been 20 child approaches reported to police since February, 2018. Police are reviewing all reports of child approaches received since February and are asking anyone with information to email Op-Tydeus@afp.gov.au.

ACT Policing takes all reports seriously and examines all available information in order to identify suspects.

To date three men have faced the ACT Magistrates Court as a result of Taskforce Tydeus.

General information

Police encourage parents, guardians and teachers to make sure children understand how to keep themselves safe, particularly when walking to and from school, and to teach children about stranger safety. Information on ways to help children to stay safe is available on the Constable Kenny Koala website.

If you become aware of an incident, or notice anyone acting suspiciously around a school or child, contact police immediately on 131 444 or in the case of an emergency call 000.

Police are patrolling schools in the Canberra region. The quicker police can respond and attend to an incident of this nature, the quicker they can target the area and surrounds.

Anyone who may have any information that could assist police can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Please quote Taskforce Tydeus reference 6269577. Information can be provided anonymously.

Media enquiries                                                                          

Police Media — (02) 6264 9460, act-police-media@afp.gov.au