Three young children were playing in the front yard of a Grenfell home about 7.30pm last Friday (3 February 2012), when a white car pulled up nearby and the unknown male driver spoke with the children.

Fearing for their safety, the children ran inside to alert their parents as the vehicle and occupant drove off in a westerly direction.

Police from Cootamundra Local Area Command were alerted to the incident and commenced inquiries, including conducting a canvass of the surrounding area for potential witnesses.

The man has been described as being aged in his early to mid 20s with short black hair.

His vehicle has been described as possibly being a white hatchback with a black stripe along the side and red ‘P’ plates.

Meanwhile, local detectives are also investigating a separate incident which occurred 12.30pm on Australia Day (Thursday 26 January 2012).

In that incident, which has only recently been reported to police, an unknown man grabbed hold of a nine-year-old girl’s shoulder as she stood on a bridge looking at a creek in Forbes Street, Grenfell.

The girl managed to shrug the man off and ran to a friend’s house; however, this matter was only reported to police on Saturday (4 February 2012).

The offender has been described only as wearing a brown hat and long brown coat.

Anyone with information about either incident is urged to contact Young Detectives or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

The incidents have prompted police to again encourage parents to discuss the 'Safe People, Safe Places' messages with their children, including:

* Make sure your parents or another adult you know knows where you are at all times.

* Always walk straight home or to the place you are walking to.

* Know where safe places are – a shop, service station, police station, library or school. If you are ever frightened, you should go to one of these places and ask them to call the police.

* Learn about safe adults you can look for and talk to if you need help – police officers, teachers at school, adults you know and trust.

* Don’t talk to people you don’t know and never get into a car with someone you don’t know. If a car stops on the side of the road and you don’t know the person inside, do not stop.

* If you are scared and can use a phone, call 000 and tell them you are scared