Child safety rep contacted after junior cricketers targeted

Child safety rep contacted after junior cricketers targeted

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WA Cricket Association has warned junior cricket clubs of a man contacting cricketers and making false claims. Photograph - Robyn Molloy.

Junior cricket clubs around the metro area, including Armadale, have been warned after a man contacted a junior player with a false invitation to a cricket carnival.

In a circular to juniors clubs WACA game and market development general manager David Clear warned them a man identifying himself as ‘Rob Dawson’ contacted a 15 year old South Perth cricket club player on his mobile on January 11.

He said the man invited the teenager to what he described as a WACA under 15 talent carnival starting at 10am on January 12.

Mr Clear said in the circular there was no one of that name associated with WACA programs.

“Fortunately the boy’s mother intervened and the man ended the call,” he said.

“She is now reporting the matter to the WA Police so that it can be followed up.”

Mr Clear said the Whitfords junior cricket club has also had contact with a man identifying himself at Rob Dawson.

“I have since received a call from a Whitfords JCC official advising that he and another coach were approached by a man identifying himself as Rob Dawson in December at Belrose Oval in Kallaroo and claimed to live near Bridgewater Reserve in Kallaroo,” he said.

“The man expressed interest in doing some coaching.

“I have reported the information to the WA Sports Federation Child Safety representative who is in touch regularly with the Child Abuse Unit of the WA Police.”

Mr Clear asked anyone who knew anything or had heard anything about the case to contact WACA.

The WACA does hold an under 15 talent carnival which has been running since January 12 at Guildford Grammar.

The carnival finishes today.

A police spokesperson said the incident had been reported and they were investigating.

Anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.