Online child grooming offences in North Yorkshire quadruple in six years
But North Yorkshire Police believe the true extent of child sexual exploitation in the county is being "significantly under-reported"
Last updated 16th Aug 2023
Annual online child grooming offences have reportedly quadrupled in North Yorkshire in the last six years.
A Freedom of Information request from the NSPCC showed police recorded 56 Sexual Communications with a Child offences in 2022/23, an increase from 14 offences in 2017/18.
A total of 207 offences have been recorded in the county since the offence came into force six years ago.
A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Police said that despite this reported increase, they believe "child sexual exploitation in all its forms remains significantly under-reported."
"In many instances, victims don't realise they are being exploited or they are too scared to report what is happening to them," the spokesperson added.
"It is up to all of us - be that professionals who come into contact with children, parents relatives or carers - to be alert to the signs and contact the police with any concerns, so that abuse can be stopped and those responsible brought to justice."
The data also revealed that over 34,000 offences were recorded nationwide, including 5,500 against primary school children.
It comes as the NSPCC is calling for the government not to further delay the passage of the Online Safety Bill.
The bill will place a legal duty of care upon tech companies, including social media firms, towards young people, and require them to assess and mitigate against any risks of child abuse.
It is due to begin its final stages in Parliament when MPs return from recess next month.
Sir Peter Wanless, Chief Executive of the NSPCC, says the number of offences recorded show "why the ground-breaking protections it the Online Safety Bill will give children are desperately needed."
He added that tech firms also need to "make sure their current sites and future services do not put children at unacceptable risk of abuse."
Just under three-quarters of offences took place on social media sites owned by Meta - including Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp - and picture messaging app Snapchat.
North Yorkshire Police say if you suspect someone is carrying out child sexual exploitation, or thinking you know may, or could soon be, a victim, you should visit the force's 'How to report possible child abuse' page, or call 101.
If someone is in immediate danger of harm, you should call 999.