School photo concern

By Danielle Galvin
POLICE are investigating reports that a man in a work vehicle was spotted taking photos out the front of Beaconsfield Primary School.
However, the principal of the school said that the incident posed a ‘low level threat’ to children because there may be an innocent explination.
Principal Gary Methven has told teachers at the school to maintain their vigilance in recess and lunch times following the incident which he said had occurred on Thursday 1 September during school pick-up times.
He said the report was made by a concerned parent, who notified Pakenham police and the school.
“Whenever we receive an alert we respond in a number of ways,” said Mr Methven.
He encouraged parents at the Old Princes Highway school to report any incidents to police.
“We would advise parents that if they see anything out of the ordinary to call Triple-zero,” he said.
“If there is a real incredible threat to children then we would act accordingly.”
Mr Methven said that he was waiting for an update from the police officer investigating the report but that there was nothing to suggest that students were in any immediate danger.
He said that the man could have been taking photos for a number of reasons and that there was no need for parents to be alarmed.
“The message is that if parents see something untoward, they should call police.”
Two weeks ago, the Gazette reported two possible abduction attempts involving students from Pakenham Hills Primary School.
Pakenham police said they were monitoring the Kennedy Road school during drop-off and pick-up times.