Warning to online daters in Yorkshire and Northern Lincolnshire following rise in sex attacks
Humberside Police are today warning about the risks of online relationships.
"Don't put yourself at risk" - that's the message to online daters in Yorkshire and Northern Lincolnshire today.
An increasing number of serious sex attacks involving people who have met online are being reported to police forces across the country.
That's according to a recent report from the National Crime Agency.
As a result, Humberside Police are now warning people about the potential dangers of online relationships in a bid to help keep more people safe.
Detective Inspector Rich Osgerby is from Humberside Police and told Viking:
“Online relationships tend to progress far more quickly that those offline, as people feel more able to be more open and emotionally honest.
“The result of this is that individuals may then have a sense of being at more advanced stage in the relationship by the time they meet the person face-to-face and no longer regard them as a stranger, even though it is the first time they are meeting.
“This can lead to individuals taking more risks than they otherwise would and putting themselves into more vulnerable situations.”
A Barton woman had a lucky escape after agreeing to go out for drinks with a man she had been chatting with via email and text.
He had offered to come and pick her up for their date but, instead of driving her to a bar, he instead drove to a quiet spot and sexually assaulted her.
Luckily, the woman managed to get away and reported the incident to police.
Police say there some steps you can take to help protect yourself when online dating, which include:
- Always use a dating website accredited by the Dating Association - Inform the moderator of any inappropriate behaviour - Think about your user name, avatar and online manner. Make sure none of them are overtly sexual, as they may attract unwanted attention or give out the wrong impression. - If you are meeting someone you have been talking to online in the real world, use your own transport and meet somewhere public. - Make sure you let a friend or relative know where you are going, who you are meeting and contact them to let them know you are home safely when the date has finished. - Don't accept a lift to another place where you can't be contacted. - Moderate your alcohol intake and don't leave your drink unattended.