The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Police allay parents’ van fears
WORRIED PARENTS called police to report that children were being lured into a van with promises of a chance to play computer games — only for it to turn out to be part of the council’s outreach service.
Clackmannanshire residents became concerned when a parent from Tullibody claimed on social media t hat t wo men were l uring children into a van on Delph Road by offering them use of a Playstation and an Xbox.
Police received t he report on October 14 but the van turned out to be part of Clackmannanshire and Stirling councils’ youth services team, with both identification.
The mobile youth space is an outreach service offering youngsters internet access and video games to keep them off the streets.
The stir on social media has been caused by recent speculation of a crime group operating across the central belt.
On October 13, police said a man had allegedly tried to lure a 12-year-old boy into his car near Bridge of Allan.
Inspector Charlie Mitchell, of Alloa Police Station, has asked residents
“We have received no substantive
reports of child snatching
in the area.”
occupants
carrying not to panic.
He said: “We have received no substantive reports of child snatching in this area. Rest assured, if there was a genuine attempt to take a child away in a van or anything like that then we would know about it fairly quickly.”
The new mobile youth space, shared by Clackmannanshire and Stirling councils, operates from a custom built van and was rolled out at the beginning of October.
Its programme targets young people who socialise in streets and parks and is staffed by the council’s youth workers. Youngsters were consulted about the types of activities and opportunities the mobile service offers, and the results formed the basis of the programme that aims to offer something different every week.
The service operates 5 to 8pm, Monday to Wednesday, at various locations in Clackmannanshire.
A spokesperson for Clackmannanshire council declined to comment on the incident.