KINGSBURY Green Academy is asking parents and students to remain vigilant following reports of a man acting suspiciously around the school car park yesterday.
In the last couple of weeks, there have been several worrying reports of men acting suspiciously outside schools or targeting teenage children - all in the Chippenham area.
Police have been investigating all the reports - not thought to be linked - and made an arrest in relation to one of the incidents on 1st February.
Kingsbury Green Academy say they received a report yesterday, 6th February, of an unknown man acting suspiciously around the school car park and approaching a student in front of the leisure centre.
The incident has been reported to the police who will be increasing patrols in the area.
In an email sent today from Kingsbury Green Academy they say: "If you see anything which concerns you please do report it to the police. We would like to remind parents and students that they should be vigilant and aware of their surroundings at all times on their journeys to and from school.
"We would encourage those that walk home to do so in groups and to ensure that they take appropriate precautions such as walking main well-lit routes and avoiding short-cuts."
Neighbourhood Policing Sergeant Jamie Ball has shared the following message in response to a number of reports of suspicious activity involving children and women:
"Firstly, I would like to assure you that we are treating all of the reports seriously and investigating them fully.
"My neighbourhood officers have been patrolling the reported areas to offer a visible deterrent and point of direct contact for anyone who feels unsafe.
"However, we must stress that in none of the incidents has anyone been physically harmed and there is no evidence to suggest that they are linked or that they relate to one specific person.
"We understand that such reports will be of concern and will have been the subject of speculation on social media, which can cause anxiety when the speculation is not factually correct. This speculation is fuelled by several news reports that have been published without having sought official information.
"Schools in the area have been updated by our policing team and have been provided an official statement to pass to parents.
"I would like to offer my personal thanks to everyone who has assisted with our enquiries by providing information and CCTV footage, it is much appreciated."
Anyone with concerns should report them to us either via our website or by calling 101. Always call 999 in an emergency.
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