Senior staff at the school issued an email to parents informing them of two reports of suspicious behaviour during the week.

“Earlier this week, a student noticed the presence of a white ute driving slowly in the Phillip Street area near Kearneys Drive and Burrendong Way,” the email said.

“On a number of occasions, the same white ute with dirty number plates has slowed down as it passed the student as they walked to the bus stop. This has occurred over a number of days.”

The other report alleged a person driving a ute of similar appearance in the same area stopping and approaching a child and in both cases, the school had advised parents to contact police.

“As a school, we think it important that we advise our parent community of any possible threats to the safety of our children,” the email said. 

Students were to be informed on Friday afternoon and advised to be alert as they travelled to and from school. 

“It might be timely for you to have discussions with your children about avoiding strangers and if they or you notice anything suspicious or alarming to contact police immediately,” the email said.

Central West Police District Inspector Linda Bradbury echoed the sentiment, advising students not to speak to people they did not know, not to accept lifts, and go to a safe place as quickly as possible so police could be notified.

“Remember as much as you can, including registration plates, to give police a better chance,” she said. 

Insp Bradbury said alleged incidents of approaching children were not always the case. 

“We did got a lot of calls when the NBN went in about vans driving past children, but they were looking for the boxes,” she said. 

“But they need to let us know so we can make the appropriate inquiries.”