Message from Humberside Police- Whatsapp Crime!

An important message from Humberside Police about the use of the app Whatsapp

Humberside Police would like to make you aware of the following WhatsApp group which young people have been accessing.

There is great concern over “THESE GUYS ARE BAD” and “ALL THE BAD GUYS” WhatsApp groups that have been created by school children in the Humberside region. These groups have over 180 members and the users exchange racist, violent, and pornographic content between themselves. This has become a problem with local children of a primary school age accessing this content. A number of unknown Paedophiles are also using these groups to gain access to children.

Should anyone have any information about the group please contact

Humberside Police on 101 or via the website https://www.humberside.police.uk/…/how-to-report-a-crime/

or Anonymously via Independent UK charity taking crime https://crimestoppers-uk.org/

Following information previously shared by Humberside Police in relation to concerns about content being shared in a popular messaging app we would like to reassure the local community that we are continuing to review and monitor activity, and we are asking parents and carers to be online safety aware.

Superintendent Iain Pottage from our Protecting Vulnerable People Unit said: “We all play a key role in helping children stay safe online and for some children, owning a device will be the first time they have access to the online world which unfortunately comes with exposing children and young people to new risks that they need to be aware of.

“Officers from our Community Safety Unit regularly engage with schools, educating parents, teachers, and children on any emerging risks online, whilst also working to gather as much information as possible from them so we can ultimately work to tackle any issues, provide reassurance and crime prevention advice.

“We also have a dedicated Police Online Investigations Team who work with a variety of other agencies to help promote the safe, responsible, and positive use of digital technology for children and young people.

“We all work together to keep children safe, and we all play a role in helping to create a safer online community.

“I understand the concerns other parents may have around the dangers of the online world, and I would advise parents to make sure any existing or new devices are age appropriate and that they have the parental controls set up to protect them from unwanted online contact.

“Try to be open with your children so that they know they can come to you if something has happened online that worries them, or they’re upset with or if a stranger has tried to contact them or send them a friend request.

“I would encourage anyone that has any concerns or thinks an offence has taken place to please call us on 101. Even something that you may think seems small can help build the bigger picture enabling professionals to investigate and take appropriate action.”

More information can be found here: Online child abuse | Humberside Police

You can also visit the CEOP Safety Centre for advice on how to add safety settings, block, or report social media here: oursafetycentre.co.uk