Parents and schools on alert as white van frequents Melbourne’s southeast

Parents are on high alert after reports of a white Hiace van seen near popular children’s areas in Mentone and Parkdale, following an incident where a child was approached in a similar vehicle.

Parents in Melbourne’s southeast were on high alert this week after reports of a white van hanging around parks and ovals began circulating online.

The Facebook post came just weeks after a child was approached by a stranger in a similar vehicle and urged to get in the van.

Police however, have said they approached the driver of the van in question and no wrong doing had been detected.

The post to the Bayside and Kingston Crimewatch group from a concerned parent shared a picture of the white van urging people to be “vigilant”.

“White Hiace van hanging around Mentone – specifically the duck park – and Parkdale parks and ovals,” it read.

“Keep a close eye on your young boys, particularly of primary school age and keep an eye out for those who perhaps don’t know he’s watching them.

“Will park in streets around school time. Any sightings of him hanging around the parks or places where kids frequent please call 000.”

A white Toyota Hiace van has been spotted in popular spots for children. Picture: Supplied

Police on Wednesday afternoon said the van driver was not being investigated and was not linked to previous reports of a man in a white van approaching children

“Bayside SOCIT detectives are aware of social media reports which picture a white van reportedly seen in the vicinity parks and ovals in Mentone and Parkdale, which is causing concern to residents of local community pages,” a spokesperson said.

“Police can confirm detectives have spoken to the driver of the van and no offences have been detected.

Officers are also not aware of any reports of an incident or criminal activity.

“It has also been determined this van is not linked to the report of an incident of a man approaching a boy in Parkdale in April.”

Parents in Melbourne’s southeast are on alert following reports of a white van hanging around parks and ovals. Picture: Supplied

Lauren, a mum-of-two from Aspendale, said the constant chatter among local parents of a suspicious van was putting everyone in the community on edge.

“It’s a bit scary when we keep hearing on the grapevine these stories about kids being approached by some guy in a white van,” she said.

“The schools have issued warnings but is it the same person? Are police doing anything or are they following someone?

“I’ve tried not to overact and I have spoken to the kids about stranger danger. I mean what else can we do?”

The principal of a catholic primary school in Parkdale East sent a warning to parents after a student was approached by a strange man parked in a white van after school hours in late April.

In the April incident a student from St John Vianney’s Primary School was on his way to football training at around 4.15pm when a stranger approached him asking them to get in their van.

Originally published as Parents and schools on alert as white van frequents Melbourne’s southeast