School student predator could escalate: expert
A predator who has reportedly been trying to snatch school children in Adelaide is a thrillseeker whose behaviour could escalate, according to a leading forensic psychologist.
There have been two reported encounters in Adelaide’s inner south in the past week – one near Mitcham Primary and the other at Mercedes College.
The suspect is reported to have told his potential victim their mother had been in an accident and that he would take them to see her.
Forensic psychologist Luke Broomhall said while the man has a calculated plan, it appears he is inexperienced at executing it.
“I think this is a person who lives locally or knows the local area, it’s probably someone who works,” he said.
In each report, the man has stayed in the vehicle and fled moments after being ignored or rejected.
“While he has made a plan, this is probably a fairly new behaviour for him,” Mr Broomhall said.
“It seems formed and reasonably well formed, but it doesn’t seem like it’s being executed in a way that would indicate that he’s done this kind of thing before.”
Particularly concerning is that he is approaching children in broad daylight, without even disguising himself.
“What I think the motivation is, is not only the sexual deviance that’s involved, but also the thrill seeking behaviour, the excitement that he’s getting out of taking the stalking to another level,” Mr Broomhall said.
He believes this man could either escalate of be scared off by the media attention and police presence.
Police are scouring security video and traffic camera vision.
They have also received 30 calls to Crime Stoppers and say those callers will be contacted within 24 hours.
