South Yorkshire Police issue warning to parents over paedophiles targeting children during lockdown

Deputy chief constable Mark Roberts said children will be spending more time on electronic devices and on social media and parents should keep a watchful eye on who they’re interacting with.

DCC Roberts said this type of crime generally was on the increase.

Even before the coronavirus lockdown, the Local Democracy Reporting Service has been told a number of schools sent out letters warning parents around sex offenders trying to contact young children, particularly on social media apps like Snapchat and Tik Tok.

Mr Roberts said criminals were adapting to the change in situation and that older people were being scammed by crooks offering to disinfect gardens.

Elderly people are being asked to be extra vigilant when someone they don’t know offers to get their shopping for them. Authorities are urging residents to pay people after the items are brought to the door and never before.

Commercial burglaries were also on the increase with many businesses being shut.

“In terms of other crimes we’re seeing increases of, cyber crime and fraud are ones to keep a close watch on.” DCC Roberts said.

“Parents need to be mindful about increased activity of online peadophiles and predators to make sure that children, because they’re inside spending more time on electronic devices, that parents are applying the normal rules. That type of cyber crime is seeing an increase.

“People are seeking to scam members of the community like elderly people. We have seen a number of instances where have been approached to disinfect gardens and the later scenario which plays out.

“There’s been an increase from distraction burglaries of elderly people, cons around cleansing which doesn’t do what it should.

“Criminals, like good businesses, will adapt their efforts for new opportunities and people need to be mindful of these types of crimes. “

Age UK Sheffield has also warned of a coronavirus scam targeting the elderly.