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Police warn over internet predators
POLICE have warned that the problem of predatory internet perverts is right on our doorsteps.
The grim warning comes after a youngster escaped the clutches of Peter Chapman only days before he met up with and murdered tragic teenager Ashleigh Hall.
It has emerged that a 15-year-old girl had arranged to meet him at the B&Q car park in Hartlepool, but fled when she realised he was not who he said he was.
It comes just a week after the Mail reported how Matthew Crouch lured a 13-year-old Hartlepool girl over the internet.
Today, Hartlepool District Commander Andy Summerbell urged every parent in the town to be wary of the dangers of "predatory paedophiles".
He told the Mail: "The dangers of the internet cannot be understated. Everyone should be aware of the potential dangers from people who hide their real motives.
"Thankfully this girl had the presence of mind to realise that things were not what she thought and had the presence of mind to leave before any contact was made.
"Previous incidents, specifically the tragic case of Ashleigh Hall proves that this incident could have had dire consequences. Ashleigh made a mistake and paid with her life for it, but thankfully this girl has escaped unscathed. We can only dread to think what could have happened.
"This should serve as a warning to all youngsters and their families in Hartlepool that this problem is not just a global cyberspace issue, but one that is on our own doorstep. It is close to everyone and I would urge the utmost caution.
"The internet is a great thing, but young people who go online can easily fall prey to the scheming, devious tricks of predatory paedophiles who, sadly, are all too willing to prey on the naive and vulnerable.
"It is a jungle that is full of pitfalls and traps and that is why companies who set up and promote such sites should do everything in their power to protect those that use them."
Chief Superintendent Mark Braithwaite, Cleveland Police's head of crime, said: "On-line grooming, graphically evidenced in the Chapman case, can be prevented by taking a few simple precautions.
"My advice to users is, don't engage with people online unless you know who they are, lock them out of your site and update your security software regularly.
"Be sensible about who you talk to and what you talk about.
"Parents too can play their part to ensure they know exactly what their children are up to when they surf the net."
Chief Superintendent Andy Reddick, of Durham Police, said: "Our message is not to meet people you have only met on social networking sites.
"If you are going to meet someone, tell someone where you are going to meet them and who you are going to meet.
"Only meet them in very, very public places and whenever possible, take someone else with you."
The warnings come as the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP), which monitors websites for child sex abuse images, urged Facebook to put a "ClickCEOP" button on its site that takes users to advice about online dangers and give them the opportunity to report concerns about online predators.
Are you the parents of the youngster lured by Chapman. If so contact the Mail on (01429) 239381.
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Weather for Hartlepool
Monday 13 February 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 3 C to 9 C
Wind Speed: 21 mph
Wind direction: North west
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 5 C to 9 C
Wind Speed: 21 mph
Wind direction: North west
