Officers from Surrey Police and the Metropolitan Police have joined together to address the cross-border issue of men approaching young girls in the community.

Although the cross-border incidents are not being linked due to the times they occurred, descriptions of suspects and the methods employed by the suspects, officers recognise the importance of working collaboratively to tackle this emerging issue.

The Tandridge Safer Neighbourhood Team has visited primary and secondary schools in the district advising of the incidents and what parents and pupils should do if they see anything suspicious.

Tandridge has had four reports of suspicious incidents of men approaching young girls. The first happened in Westhall Road, Warlingham, on Thursday, 13 May. The suspect is described as a mixed-race man, aged approximately 35, with short black hair. On Sunday, 16 May, in Croydon Road, Caterham, the suspect is described as a black man, aged between 30 and 40 and he spoke with an African accent. Then on Thursday, 20 May, in Westbury Close, Warlingham, two men in a black pick up with silver lettering asked a school-girl to get into the vehicle. Both suspects are described as mixed-race men who were bald. Later outside Whyteleafe railway station, the driver of a similar black vehicle waved at a girl and asked her to get into the vehicle. The girl walked to the Whyteleafe Tavern pub where she called her father who collected her. The suspect is described as a mixed-race man who was bald.

Tandridge Neighbourhood Inspector Elaine Burtenshaw said: "Naturally our primary concern is the safety of youngsters in the area. The Tandridge incidents have not happened near schools but it is vital our safety messages reach young people and that parents are armed with the facts.

"We are aware there is a lot of misinformation circulating regarding these Tandridge incidents and I would ask everyone to bear in mind none of the girls were injured, they were not physically touched by these men but obviously it was an incredibly frightening experience for everyone involved.

"All reports are taken extremely seriously which is why we will continue to work closely with our colleagues across the border so we can share ideas and information and continue to ensure the community is safe and feels safe. I would ask if anyone does see any suspicious activity involving a vehicle to please note the registration perhaps even use your mobile phone to take a photograph of it. All information is investigated by detectives and with your help we can identify these men and put an end to these worrying incidents."

Croydon Borough Commander Chief Superintendent Adrian Roberts said: "I want to update the public with regards to our actions into a number of recent suspicious incidents reported on the borough and reassure parents and the wider community about what we are doing to investigate these incidents and to keep their children safe.

"Since we received an initial reported incident in Kenley on Monday 10 May, there have been a few other reports of suspicious incidents to the Metropolitan and Surrey Police.

"At this stage, descriptions of people involved vary, as do the type of vehicle and the nature of approaches made. However, rest assured that although we are not linking our investigations to Surrey's at this time, we will continue to work together to ensure each incident is fully investigated and to explore any possible links should they be established.

"We acknowledge media reports and messages regarding Asian males being involved in some of these incidents. However, we ask the public to keep an open mind, given that we have received varying descriptions and we are alive to the impact that media reports and word of mouth could have on these sightings.

"I want to reassure you that my CID officers are investigating the full circumstances of all the incidents reported to us, and we will look to release further information when appropriate. I continue to task my officers to carry out extra patrols on the borough and we continue to offer our help with educating children and parents about child safety.

"I ask parents to remain vigilant around this issue and I would appeal for people to contact police if they see anybody or anything suspicious by calling 999."

Anyone with information regarding these incidents is urged to contact Surrey Police on 0845 125 2222 quoting reference TD/10/2272 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Call 0845 125 2222 for all non-emergency policing matters.

Call 999 if you have a genuine emergency requiring the attendance of the police (eg a crime is in progress or someone is in immediate danger).

Call independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 if you have information about crime and don't want to leave your name.