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Parent warns others following Golden Bay stranger danger incident

Staff WriterWeekend Kwinana Courier

Following a stranger danger incident in Golden Bay a parent has reminded others to remain vigilant, but not paranoid.

David Carlson’s son was walking home from school when a white van pulled up next to him.

A note was sent to parents at local primary schools about the incident on Tuesday.

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The note sent to parents.
Camera IconThe note sent to parents. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Mr Carlson doesn’t believe the incident was sinister, but wants parents to continue teaching their children safety messages.

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“Three days prior, one of his friends made up a horrific story about a white van that probably widened his senses to white vans,” Mr Carlson posted on social media.

“It was a very believable story even having me concerned greatly, but after talking to the parents, that’s all it ended up being – a story with no truth in it.

“I know sometimes we can be over protective and even paranoid. But I believe this incident reported to the school and even the police was just a heightened alertness of fear involving a white van.”

Mr Carlson said he would continue reinforcing safety messages with his children.

“Let your children play but teach them a few things,” Mr Carlson continued.

“Don’t make stories up that can actually get the innocent in trouble.

“If your child is acting unusually don’t be afraid to ask them if everything is ok. A perpetrator will always put a huge amount of fear, guilt and shame onto a child so they won’t say anything.”