Tonga Police stated that they had received several complaints from concerned parents and citizens following incidents of suspicious males that had attempted to lure young children into their vehicles. 

On Friday, 29 July a male stranger, trying to convince the child to get into his vehicle, approached a class 2 minor. An adult who knew the child was nearby, and intervened.

It is understood no arrests or charges have been made.

Police on their visits to schools on Tongatapu, reassured principals and teachers of increased police visibility and visits at targeted times to and around schools. 

Principals and teachers are also encouraged to share with Police anything that comes to their attention that would likely place their young students’ lives and safety at risk. 

Some safety measures proposed for schools and parents include;

• remind children not to talk to strangers and not to accept anything offered by anyone 
other than their parents, family members, or teacher. 

• pick up your child on time and share a list of those that can pick up your child with the school.
• parents to provide lunches for their children to prevent children from leaving the school 
compound. 

• school gates to be locked during school hours.  
• have a designated location that can be easily monitored, for drop off and pick up. 
A teacher must accompany students while waiting for pick-up at the end of school. 

• alert police should you or the child feel unsafe.