Reports of online grooming double

CHILD grooming offences in Tayside have almost doubled in five years as offenders make use of messaging apps as a “gateway” to new victims.

Data obtained by the Tele shows 64 grooming or grooming-related offences were recorded by officers last year.

In comparison, 33 similar offences were logged in 2013, covering the legal offence of grooming as well as incidents in which children were made to participate in sexual activity, or made to look at sexual images.

More than half of the offences logged last year related to causing children to look at sexual images — which can include sending explicit pictures online.

DCI Graham Binnie, of Tayside’s public protection unit, said keeping children safe was a top priority for the area force.

He said: “Our message for perpetrators is very clear: we employ the latest technology to investigate online abuse and trace offenders.”

The NSPCC said the growth of social media played a significant part.

A spokesman said: “The threat posed to children by online groomers has increased in recent years and we know the internet and social media are used as gateways by abusers to commit dozens of offences against children each year.

“It is vital young people are taught about the dangers of talking to strangers online and parents should have regular discussions with their children about internet safety.

“But it’s crucial more is done to ensure children’s privacy and safety online.”

The charity is spearheading a new campaign, #WildWestWeb, calling on UK Culture Secretary Matt Hancock — who has his own social media app — to force firms to use technology to flag up potential grooming behaviour.

A UK Government spokesman said it was “working closely” with firms to make their platforms safer for all — adding that it is prepared to bring in new laws and fines if “significant progress” is not made.

A Home Office spokesman added: “We have provided law enforcement with the capabilities and resources they need to identify grooming victims and bring offenders to justice.

“But tech companies have to take all steps possible to prevent their platforms being used to abuse and exploit children.”

The rise in recorded grooming offences comes after a Dundee community police officer warned perverts were increasingly using social media to target kids.

Sergeant Lesley Mann said the problem was “rife” across the city, with children as young as P5 age being targeted.

And while most social networks include a minimum age limit, usually 13, this is often unenforced.

Grooming was made a statutory offence in Scotland in 2005, criminalising any attempt to build trust with an under-16 with the intention of committing sexual assault. Ourvoice PAGE 16

DCI Graham Binnie has called for action over social media firms.