Attempted Child Abduction in Sydney: Toddler Taken Under Mums Nose from Play Area

NSW Police are investigating an attempted abduction of a child in South Western Sydney.

This is the fourth attempted child abduction in Sydney this month.

The male child was playing in the Macquarie St Mall, Liverpool on Thursday under the watchful eye of his mother. The attempt was made in a busy shopping precinct and is a scary reminder to parents to be vigilant in watching children at all times.

The 15-month old was picked up by a man who attempted to leave the scene carrying him. When the mother started screaming and ran towards the child he was placed back on the ground and the immediately suspect left.

The man is described as Mediterranean/Middle Eastern appearance, about 45-years-old, medium build, clean shaven, with black hair combed back and wearing a black woollen long sleeved jacket.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Liverpool Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Four other attempted abductions in Sydney this month. 

The incident follows four further reported attempted abductions of school age children in Dural, Hornsby and twice in Leichhardt this month. These incidents have not been said to be linked.

Of course, smaller children (like the toddler above) can not be taught stranger danger however older children can be reminded of the following rules from NSW Police.

NSW Police Urge Parents to Remind Children of Rules for Safe People, Safe Places. 

■ Avoid walking on your own and instead walk with other family members, friends or an adult they know when going to and from school;

■ Walk near busier roads and streets, or use paths where there are lots of other people;

■ Make sure your parents or another adult you know knows where you are at all times;

■ Always walk straight home or to the place you are walking to;

■ Know where safe places are – a shop, service station, police station, library or school. If you are ever frightened, you should go to one of these places and ask them to call the police;

■ Learn about safe adults you can look for and talk to if you need help. Seek police officers, teachers at school, adults you know and trust;

■ Don’t talk to people you don’t know and never get into a car with someone you don’t know. If a car stops on the side of the road and you don’t know the person inside, do not stop; and

■ If you are scared and can use a phone, call 000 and tell them you are scared.

Image Credit: Liverpool Council Website.