Taskforce Tydeus update (1)
Face fit images released
ACT Policing has released three new face fit images from two incidents where children were approached in Wright and Banks on Thursday, 13 September 2018.
About 5.25pm, police responded to a report of a child being approached by a man in Wright. The child was riding a bike on James McAuley Crescent about 5.10pm when a man approached her. He allegedly grabbed the child and pushed her to the ground before leaving the scene in a white van.
Police also responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle in Banks allegedly following a girl as she walked home about 4.15pm on the same day.
These incidents were made public on 14 September when ACT Policing launched Taskforce Tydeus to investigate reports of suspicious approaches to children across the ACT.
Additional reports
Police have received two new reports of incidents where students were approached.
Ainslie incident – 18 September 2018
About 4.10pm, ACT Policing received a report of a child being approached on Marsden Street, Dickson. Taskforce Tydeus is investigating.
Wanniassa incident – 20 September 2018
About 9.20am this morning, ACT Policing was called to an incident in Wanniassa.
An 18-year-old student was walking to school on McBryde Crescent, Wanniassa when she was approached by a man in a white 4WD. The man got out of the vehicle and spoke to the girl. He left when another vehicle approached. He is described as Caucasian, approximately 180cm (5’11”) tall with a slim build.
Anyone that witnessed these incidents, or who may have dash-cam footage from these locations, is urged to contact police.
Taskforce Tydeus
There have been 16 child approaches reported to police since February, 2018.
ACT Policing takes all reports seriously and examines all available information in order to identify suspects.
Police are reviewing all reports of child approaches received since February and are asking anyone with information to email Op-Tydeus@afp.gov.au.
General information
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