Police patrols are being carried out in Clacton inresponse to reports of accosting and suspicious behaviour in the town.
The extra patrols are in place to reassure the public as the half term holidays begin.
Chief Inspector Russ Cole said: “We are asking parents and children to remain vigilant.”
The comments come after two incidents where teenage boys were accosted in the town by a man on Saturday, October 18.
The first happened at about 6.30pm near an alleyway off Dudley Road, the second at about 9pm in Coppins Road.
A 53-year-old man from Colchester arrested by police yesterday in connection with the incidents has been released on police bail until tomorrow.
Anybody with any information about the incidents or anybody with any concerns is asked to contact Essex Police 101.
People can also give information to the independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through their Anonymous Online Form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
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