Stranger uses internet in bid to lure teenage girl (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Stranger uses internet in bid to lure teenage girl

SALISBURY police issued an urgent warning to parents this week to monitor their children's use of the internet.

It came after a 15-year-old local girl was contacted through MSN Messenger and invited to meet a stranger in Salisbury and keep the meeting secret from her parents.

The contact was made by a man said in his messenger profile to be about 29 years old and a website designer. He was aware of the girl's age through her profile.

A police spokesman said: "On this occasion, the girl alerted her parents, who contacted the police. However, in a recent survey of more than 2,300 youngsters aged from 11 to 18 in Wiltshire, it was revealed that seven per cent had agreed to meet up with someone they had met online - without checking with parents first.

"Furthermore, 11 per cent of children said they had been made to feel uncomfortable by 'chats' they had with someone online."

The spokesman said Salisbury police were anxious for anyone else who might have received a similar message to the 15-year-old in recent weeks to contact them.

Police community and youth affairs officer Caroline Holt said: "This man could be very dangerous and we need as much information as possible to track him down. I would urge anyone, parent or child, to contact us confidentially as soon as possible."

Anyone with information is asked to call 01722 411444 or Crimestoppers, on 0800 555111.

Meanwhile, Wiltshire's police and the county council are using the results of the recent county-wide survey to reinforce the message to young people that chatrooms can be dangerous.

Superintendent Kevin Maidment, head of community safety for Wiltshire police, said: "We all acknowledge the educational benefits of the internet. But these results show that young people can be innocently exposing themselves to risk.

"It is important that all young people, as well as their parents and guardians, are aware of the potential risks and how best to protect themselves. By following simple guidelines, they can enhance their safety, while not reducing the opportunities to use the net."