However, while Senior Constable Stephen Cherry said the number of child approaches in the Hastings reported to police was minute, he warned “it still happens”.

“With regard to extra precautions I am of the belief that when using public toilets it would be a good idea for children to have a trusted adult present if not go in pairs,” he advised.

He said strangers were only people we haven’t met yet.

“Police no longer do stranger danger. We do a program called the Keeping Me Safe Program, which teaches children about safe places and safe adults, ie police, ambos, firies, teachers, doctors, nurses and where they work,” he said.

A 38-year-old man has been charged with peep and pry and inciting a person under 16 years to commit an act of indecency.

The Gazette contacted Wauchope High School to ask if the school would be taking any action in the wake of the incident in regard to counselling or additional training of students, but no comment had been forthcoming at the time of going to press.