Police are on high alert after a white van was spotted attempted to abduct several people who were walking home alone.
Police say they’ve launched an investigation after receiving numerous reports that a white van was ‘acting in suspicious circumstances’ but thankfully, Greater Manchester Police say no one has as of yet been abducted.
They’ve issued the following sterm warning on Facebook for people to be on high alert:
“Locally we have received reports of a white van, acting in suspicious circumstances and being involved in attempts to abduct pedestrians. How to tap your card for £3 and get homeless people off the streets ‘Such reports are being mirrored across the whole of The Greater Manchester area, with widespread reports of similar offences. ‘In addition to this across social media there is a massive amount of information being shared about such activity – a lot of which is not being reported to the police.’ It added: ‘It is important to note that at this time no person has actually been abducted.’ In a warning, GMP told people to ‘remain vigilant at all times’ and reports any suspicious activity to the police, adding: ‘We can’t act if we don’t know about it.’
They continued, ‘If possible make sure family and/or friends are with you when you are making journeys on foot. When this is not possible make sure that you keep in touch with friends or family to let them know when you have arrived safely at your destination. ‘Remain conscious of your surroundings and try to avoid being distracted by your phone/listening to music etc.’ The post concluded: ‘It is important to note that there are thousands of white vans in use across our communities and that the vast majority of these are involved in normal work and leisure activities and should not be viewed with suspicion simply because of the type of vehicle they are. ‘Should your suspicions be raised please contact the police and allow us to take appropriate action rather than taking matters into your own hands.”
Anyone with any concerns to call police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111. People are asked to share this information with their friends.