Warnings after children approached on Sydney’s northern beaches

October 27, 2026 — 5:28pm

Police on Sydney’s northern beaches are appealing for information after reports of a man trying to lure children into his vehicle.

The first reports came last Thursday after a man approached and attempted to speak with a child at an oval in Manly Vale just before 5pm.

Warnings shared among parents said a man approached a child in the car park at David Thomas Reserve and told the boy his mum and dad had asked him to get into his car to go home. The boy ran back to the field, where his mother was, and the incident was reported to police.

On Monday, a man tried to speak to two children on Nyrang Road in Allambie Heights at about 4.30pm.

It is not yet known if the same man or vehicle was involved in both approaches.

Police have appealed for anyone with information or footage that could be relevant to investigations to contact officers.

The approaches come days before Halloween, when children engage in “trick or treating”.

Ahead of Halloween last year, police advised parents to supervise children and said it was safest for people “trick or treating” to go in groups, in daylight and only to homes with decorations.

Police also warned children not to enter stranger’s homes, even if invited in, and not to get into a vehicle with anyone they don’t know.

Get alerts on breaking news as it happens. Sign up for our Breaking News Alert.

Jack Gramenz is a breaking news reporter at The Sydney Morning Herald.Connect via email.

From our partners