Police are urging Wagga residents to notify them of suspicious activity before taking to social media after reports of a child approach took almost 24 hours to reach them.
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The plea comes after officers were notified on Sunday about two possible incidents after a post had already been circulating online.
Riverina Police District Acting Inspector Bernard Nix said the first child approach was alleged to have occurred about 5pm on Saturday at Wagga Beach.
"[It was reported] that a male approached a group of children playing on the swings," he said.
"Police were not informed at that time, but a post was made on social media that afternoon.
"About 8.30pm on Saturday, a grandmother and two children were walking near a Kooringal residential address and [are] also believed to be approached by a male of similar description."
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Inspector Nix said officers did not receive this information until the next day and immediately made some inquiries.
He said they identified the man who cooperated with the police in their investigation.
"Inquiries are still continuing," Inspector Nix said.
"But, at this stage, we don't believe there is anything suspicious about that activity."
Inspector Nix said it was important for residents to always report matters of concern to police in the first instance before sharing the allegations on social media.
"We would like to know as soon as possible about any type of those approaches," he said.
"There are lots of inquiries that can be conducted straight away.
"It's not been until 24 hours later [in this case] that police have been able to start investigating."
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