Social media storm over ‘man in white van’ following Mt Martha kids linked to rise in home deliveries
Anxious parents have taken to Facebook to warn of “a man in a white van” following children and young women in Mt Martha and Mornington. Police say there could be an innocent explanation.
South East
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Reports of “ a man in a white van” following children as they walk in Mt Martha and Mornington have flooded social media.
Worried locals have told of their children being upset after seeing a white van driven by a man of Indian appearance, slow down and appear to follow them.
Others have said the driver had his phone out and was possibly taking photos.
The neighbourhoods where these incidents have taken place include Amberley Drive, Essex Road, Hopetoun Road, Mount Martha.
There have also been similar reports involving a black VW sedan in Bungower Rd, Mornington and a post about another VW sedan driver taking photos of a five year old girl and “gesturing towards her” in Martha Cove.
“It’s been on my mind all day and I am wondering how we as a community can band together to protect one another,” one woman posted.
Detective Sergeant Jason Hocking of the Mornington Peninsula Crime Investigation Unit said
four incidents had been officially reported to police.
The first report was made on July 27 and involved the driver of an unmarked white van approaching a female walking in Marthas Ridge Drive.
The incident was investigated and no criminal behaviour detected.
Sgt Hocking said there were no incidents still under investigation.
He said it was likely that many of the reports related to delivery drivers unfamiliar with the area slowing down to search for addresses.
It was also possible that the drivers were looking at maps on their phones.
“While police encourage residents to report instances of suspicious behaviour, it needs to be pointed out there has been an increase of delivery vans on our streets due to the current COVID-19 restrictions,” he said.
“The mere presence of a delivery van or car within your streets should not necessarily raise suspicion.
“However, if the behaviour of a driver raises concerns ‘000’ should be contacted immediately.”
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