Brant OPP are investigating several recent incidents involving minors sharing inappropriate photos with both known and unknown recipients.
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In a news release, OPP media relations officer Const. Jonathan Bueckert said “these situations are a serious concern as they can quickly escalate into scams, extortion, or even grooming.”
Grooming happens when people build trust with minors to exploit them, often leading to requests for inappropriate content or meeting in person, said the news release.
“This highlights the importance of vigilance in monitoring online interaction to protect our youth,” said Bueckert.
Scammers and predators may exploit explicit images by threatening to distribute them unless demands, often financial, are met. Once shared, these images are out of the sender’s control and can have long-term, devastating consequences, say police.
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Police offer these tips to parents:
- Talk early and often with children about the risks of sharing personal images and interacting with strangers online.
- Be aware of grooming tactics such as flattery, gift-giving, or building a relationship of secrecy.
- Monitor social media and messaging app use for any unusual activity or interactions.
- Encourage children to report anything suspicious or any messages that make them uncomfortable.
If your child is targeted, don’t engage with the suspect. Save all evidence, including screenshots of messages and photos. Contact police immediately to report the incident.
Norfolk man faces impaired charge after vehicle hits tree
A collision in Delhi resulted in impaired driving charges.
Just after 9 pm on Jan. 15, Norfolk OPP responded to a single-vehicle collision on Herbert Avenue.
Police say the driver of an SUV was traveling on Herbert Avenue when the vehicle went off the road and hit a tree. No injuries were reported.
Police alleviate the driver tampered with property on the exterior of a residence before officers arrived.
A 37-year-old Norfolk County man is charged with operation while impaired by alcohol and drugs and mischief.
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