NSW Police on the hunt for man accused of being lost while looking foreign
Presumably there’s some sort of social media lesson in this Facebook announcement from NSW Police Force, who are hunting a man of foreign appearance, who gave himself away by asking directions.
The man then compounded his suspicious behaviour by not following the person he’d spoken to.
NSW Police: Hunting a swarthy foreigner who wanted directions
But Dr Mumbo really isn’t sure what that lesson is.
And it would seem that followers of the page are as puzzled as Dr Mumbo about what this Mediterranean-looking man has actually done wrong.
Regardless, Dr Mumbo suggests that all Facebook followers of NSW Police Force keep ’em peeled, and dial Crime Stoppers immediately if they see anybody who looks foreign and lost.
(Via Reddit Australia)
‘Well I’ve been Waterworth for 45 years and I must admit, I’m lost.’
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So asking a girl for directions when you’re lost and looking “foreign” implies criminal behaviour? Australia really has gone downhill.
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I seems reasonable to me. A 50 year old man approached a 12 year old girl and acted in a way which made her concerned about of his motives; not the least behaviour being asking for directions and then not following the directions she provided. Twelve year olds aren’t often stupid, so people took her concerns seriously. The police are asking anyone who saw the interaction to come forward. Presumably to see if the girl’s suspicions were unfounded or if her concerns may be reasonable and worthwhile following up further.
No one is saying that a criminal act took place. That’s just hyperbole.
I’m a little surprised by the strong suggestion in the comments that the police should have disregarded the girl’s concerns. Especially when men stalking school girls walking home is is common enough — my daughter’s primary school had three instances in the six years she was there.
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