Unknown man speaks to children in the Allersberg outdoor pool – police are looking for witnesses!

Unknown man speaks to children in the Allersberg outdoor pool – police are looking for witnesses!

A worrying incident occurred in the Allersberg outdoor swimming pool in the Roth district on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. Two ten-year-old girls were playing in a meadow around 6 p.m. when they were approached by an unknown man. The incident occurred when the man, who was outside at the fence in the direction of Badstrasse, drew attention to the girls by ringing his bicycle bell. He asked her to come to the fence and asked questions about her age and home address. This is reported by Donaukurier.

When the girls' adult companions, who had observed the situation, tried to intervene, the man quickly fled the scene. The police were informed immediately and are now looking for witnesses and the man they were looking for. He was described as being around 1.70 meters tall and slim, with dark hair combed back. He wore a cap and had a dark beard that was noticeably longer on the chin. His worn look was completed with gray trousers and a t-shirt.

Bike description and notes

The man's bike was an older model, red with white lettering, equipped with a larger bell and a blue basket on the luggage rack. The Hilpoltstein police station is asking for information on 09174/4789-0 in order to clarify the incident and avoid potential dangers to other children. These types of events also raise an important question: How safe are our children in public pools and recreational facilities?

The discussion about protecting children has become more urgent in recent years. Stunning statistics show that child abuse, whether physical, sexual or psychological, occurs in all societies and is widespread in the WHO European Region. According to a report from the World Health Organization, many of these cases are not obvious and can last for years. What is particularly alarming is that severe abuse is often known to relevant child protection authorities, while more subtle forms often go unnoticed.

The rising numbers call for solutions, with many experts and activists calling for prevention to be a higher priority. A public health approach can be one of the means to address the worrying increase in child abuse.

The events in Allersberg should alarm and give food for thought to both parents and guardians. Children's safety must always come first and it is vital that such incidents are not ignored but serve as a warning signal for necessary action.