LAUNCESTON police are highlighting to parents that they do not want children to be afraid of them.

Their message from police is ‘please don’t tell your children that we will take them off to jail if they are bad. We want them to run to us if they are scared, not be scared of us’.

They carried out a routine patrol at St Catherine’s Primary School last Thursday, November 23, adding: “A lovely conversation with one parent in particular who took the time to stop and explain to their children that if they are ever lost or scared the police are there to help them.

“This is a message we also try to highlight, all too often we hear ‘if you’re naughty the police will take you away’. We want children to know if they are ever scared or lost the police are there to help and protect you.”