27
Nov
2014
By Calvin at 14:35 GMT, 9 years ago
Press Release
Police in Carlisle are warning people who use dating websites to act appropriately when meeting someone in person, or face the consequences.
Police in north Cumbria have received five reports of sexual offences since the start of September which make reference to casual dating/meeting websites. This warning comes following the launch of Cumbria Constabulary’s ‘Do The Right Thing’ campaign, which is aimed at potential sexual and violent offenders, highlighting that abusive or violent behaviour will not be tolerated in Cumbria.
DI Colin Ritchie explains:
“Social dating sites have featured in a number of investigations regarding rape and sexual assaults in recent weeks. Men and women are talking to complete strangers and then meeting up in person – sometimes with very different intentions.
“These types of websites and apps are a popular way of meeting people, however there is always a strong element of risk when meeting up with a stranger you have met online. My message is that if you are meeting up with someone for the first time that, no matter how sexual your conversations may have been, you should never force your expectations on that person. If someone is uncomfortable or unwilling, or too intoxicated to fully consent, there is no excuse for continuing. Anything less than a ‘yes’ is a ‘no’.
“I would also encourage people who are meeting someone that they have spoken to online to make sure that someone knows where you are, to meet in a public place, and take other reasonable measures to keep yourself safe.”
Within these reports there are a couple of incidents where 12 year old girls have been purporting to be over the age of 18, and engaging in sexual discussions.
DI Ritchie said:
“These incidents are worrying, and I would encourage those using dating websites or apps to ensure that the people that they meet for sexual purposes are over the age of consent. If in doubt, don’t go through with it.
“With Christmas around the corner parents also need to be aware of the dangers of new technology. New gadgets, apps, and websites can make it easier for offenders to contact children directly and groom them. More and more children are now on social media sites, often unsupervised. While these sites can provide entertainment and a way for young people to chat to their friends, they can also cause problems. I would encourage all parents to become familiar with these sites and be aware of the potential risks associated with them.”
Anyone who would like to report a sexual offence should call Cumbria Police on 101, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
For more information or advice on online safety please visit: http://www.cumbria.police.uk/advice-and-information/online-safety
Related Crime Prevention Advice
Rape and Sexual Assault http://thecrimepreventionwebsite.com/personal-security/701/rape-and-sexual-assault/
Romance Scams http://thecrimepreventionwebsite.com/online-scams/731/romance-scams/
