Alarming reports in Bunyola and surrounding areas involve a white van and attempts to lure minors, prompting parental concern and police outreach
Recent days have seen a surge of alarming reports from Bunyola, Mallorca, centered on a white van and a man who is suspected of approaching schoolchildren after classes. Parents and guardians in local communities have shared details within WhatsApp groups linked to CEIP Mestre Column, describing messages and voice notes that suggest possible encounters with a vehicle linked to separate incidents in the weeks prior.
One parent recalls a daughter returning home and saying, t the white van is there again, referring to a street near the school. Initially, the family assumed the child might be mistaken, but over time the concerns intensified as more instances emerged.
According to testimonies circulating in parent circles, the pattern begins after school hours, when students head home. In several cases, a man would approach a student with a question or invitation, such as asking if the child would like to visit his home to see a puppy. In some of these districts, the student was said to have stepped into a white van, prompting immediate concern among families and school staff.
Local reports indicate that the first documented moment occurred near the promenade on Antoni Estarellas, where a younger student became frightened and hurried home to relay the incident to their family. This led the family to alert the Local Police, joined shortly after by another concerned parent who reported a similar encounter.
Investigations suggest that the two incidents occurred between 3:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., a window immediately after school cafeteria hours when some students who eat at the school tend to return home alone. Observers have noted that during this time, police presence is less visible than during the 2:00 p.m. period when a police officer typically managed traffic and crowd control near the school gates.
Reports of this nature are not isolated to a single location. Across Esports, Santa Maria, Montuïri, Consell, and Palma, residents have recounted similar warnings about a white van attempting to approach minors in the vicinity of parks and educational centers. While some concerns have been logged, formal complaints have sometimes been archived due to insufficient evidence, leaving families anxious and seeking clear guidance on safety measures.
Experts emphasize the importance of staying vigilant and maintaining open lines of communication between children, parents, and schools. Parents are advised to teach children basic safety steps, such as avoiding conversations with strangers, not entering vehicles without a trusted adult, and immediately reporting any suspicious behavior to authorities. Schools and local police departments often collaborate to enhance supervision during peak after-school periods and to ensure clear, visible reporting channels for students and guardians alike. Communities are urged to share accurate information promptly to prevent rumor spread and to help authorities build a complete picture of any recurring patterns.
Authorities remind residents that keeping a detailed log of incidents, including dates, times, descriptions of people and vehicles, and any accompanying messages, can be invaluable for ongoing investigations. When possible, taking note of vehicle identifiers such as license plates or distinctive features can assist law enforcement in tracking patterns and identifying potential threats. In the absence of solid evidence, it remains critical to avoid sensationalism while still acknowledging genuine concerns and taking preventive steps.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed through official channels and to participate in community safety initiatives. Local police regularly publish advisories that outline recommended precautions and contact procedures for reporting suspicious activity. While the exact outcomes of current inquiries have not been disclosed, the consensus among authorities is clear: safeguarding children requires a coordinated effort from families, schools, and law enforcement alike. Community members should continue to monitor the situation and share any new information with the appropriate authorities to support a timely and thorough review. (citation: Local Police and municipal safety offices)