Parents warned to look out for sports ground pervert after Burnley Park incident
A MELBOURNE girls’ school has stepped up security after a pervert flashed students at a nearby park. Parents and sporting clubs have also been warned to be on their guard at school and children’s playgrounds.
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A MELBOURNE girls’ school has stepped up security after a pervert flashed students at a park nearby.
Extra supervision arrangements in the surrounding area have been put in place while students from Melbourne Girls’ College are in Burnley Park and surrounding area.
School principal Karen Money said the school was aware of a man indecently exposing himself to a group of students near the school.
Yarra council this week warned parents and community sports groups about reports of a man conducting a lewd act near a sports park frequented by children.
A warning sent to children’s footy, cricket and soccer clubs and users of Burnley Park by the council urged them to report any repeat sightings of the offender but warned against approaching him.
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A children’s playground, basketball court, soccer field, picnic area and sporting pavilion used by junior teams are all located in Burnley Park.
Melbourne Girls’ College is just metres from the park and students from the school frequently use it for exercise and PE lessons.
The school has been made aware of a man indecently exposing himself to a group of students nearby.
“The safety of our students is our number one priority and as soon as we were made aware of the incident we reported it to the police and the Department,” principal Karen Money told the Herald Sun.
“We always encourage students to walk in groups when they are outside the school grounds.
“We are monitoring the situation and will continue to work with police,” she added.
Police said they were investigating an incident at a park bordering Richmond and Burnley and released a description of a suspect wanted over the “indecent act’’ on Monday.
Victoria Police spokesman Luke Zammit confirmed a man had performed an “indecent act’’ near a football oval about 6.30pm on Monday.
“The man is perceived to be of caucasian appearance and about 183cm tall with curly hair,’’ he said.
“It is believed he was wearing red pants and a grey hooded jumper and may have possibly been walking a small dog.
“At this stage, police have not been made aware of any victims directly involved with the incident.’’
The council warning urged park users to take care if they observed similar behaviour.
“We ask that you/club consider personal safety of your members and do not follow the person or approach them,’’ it said.
“Can you also let your club liaison know if this happens, when and near what ground so we can record the issue to the police and see if there are any patterns.
“We hope this is a random occurrence and does not occur again.’’
Anyone who witnessed the incident has been urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.