Stalker strikes

By Lia Bichel
A STALKER preying on young girls in Casey remains on the loose, after three failed kidnapping attempts.
In the past month, police said they have received three similar reports – from Hampton Park, Cranbourne and Berwick – of a man stalking girls and trying to abduct them.
Detective Senior Constable Brian Whitehead said it was alarming to have so many reports of attempted kidnapping in such a short period of time.
“It’s unusual in Casey, so that’s why we are so concerned,” he said “We don’t want people to be scared or over-protective but we want them to be vigilant – aware that these people do exist.”
A 14-year-old girl was the victim of the latest incident.
Police said at 3pm on Tuesday, 22 September, the teen was walking through WK Glendenning Reserve, Avebury Drive in Berwick when she noticed a white sedan, possibly a Commodore, driving very slowly along Avebury Drive.
She told the police the man driving the car was staring at her, but she continued walking.
He drove by a second time, got out of the car and walked towards her.
The girl decided to run and the man chased her, but eventually decamped.
He was described as tall, with brown hair and wearing jeans and a T-shirt.
In a similar incident, a man approached a 12-year-old girl who was walking along Scott Street, Cranbourne at 3.30pm on Friday, 11 September.
The man tried to speak to her about football, but she ignored him and kept walking. The man continued to follow the girl, but fled when her mother drove into the street.
He was described as about 165cm, aged in his 40s, with an olive complexion, short black hair and no front teeth. He was wearing blue jeans and a navy long-sleeved jacket with fluoro sections on it. A small white car was seen nearby.
The first of the series of incidents happened on Thursday, 3 September at about 8.30am.
A 16-year-old girl was walking along Elanora Road, Hampton Park when a man driving a small white car stopped and asked her for directions. He got out, grabbed her arm and tried to drag her into the car. Police said she managed to fight him off and run away.
The man was described as tall, of medium build, aged in his 30s with olive skin. He was wearing light blue jeans and a black hooded top.
Det Sen Const Whitehead said he believed the incidents were related because of the similar descriptions of the man and car seen in each of the three locations.
He urged anyone who has information about these crimes, has seen suspicious activity or had an experience similar to these, to contact him at Casey Crime Investigation Unit on 9705 3109.