Grooming over the internet is becoming an increasing problem, police said today.
The warning comes as part of Safer Internet Day today, during which Lancashire Police is urging people to stay safe on the web.
Lancashire Constabulary’s Public Protection Unit has joined forces with Lancashire Safeguarding Children’s Board, Lancashire County Council and Lancashire Young Peoples Service for the campaign, which has the theme Online rights and responsibilities.
To mark the event, each day, a series of themed online safety messages will be posted onto the Constabulary’s Facebook page and Twitter account.
Det Supt Ian Critchley said: “For many people, the internet has become a big part of daily life and we would encourage people to use it and enjoy it but to do so safely. This includes using different passwords for different sites and using secure sites.
“Unfortunately we have seen over recent years that the internet has become an ever increasing method by which offenders seek to meet, groom and then sexually exploit young people.
“We would also ask all parents, carers and teachers to ask ‘do you know what your child is doing on the internet and who they are talking to?”
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