Toddler, child wander streets alone

An 18 month old toddler and a five year old child were found separately wandering South Hedland’s streets earlier this month in what police have dubbed an “alarming trend”.

South Hedland police Senior Sergeant Dean Snashall said a member of the public found the young baby walking on its own in a nappy on March 4 and subsequently brought the child to the station.

In a separate incident the next day, police found the five year old walking on its own in pyjamas around 7.30am.

Police were able to locate both families within an hour of each incident.

But the incidents serve as a reminder to parents about the dangers of taking your eyes off your young children, Sen. Sgt Snashall said.

“It doesn’t take much for an 18 month (toddler) to walk in front of a car if they are left unattended,” he said.

He also said when members of the public find children wandering the streets alone, it was best to call police and then stay on the spot with the children rather than bring them into the station to help prevent their families panicking.