Online dating warning issued by police after Hull rape arrest

A Yorkshire police force has issued a warning to those looking for love online after arresting a man on suspicion of raping a woman he met via internet dating.
Humberside Police has issued a warning over the dangers of internet datingHumberside Police has issued a warning over the dangers of internet dating
Humberside Police has issued a warning over the dangers of internet dating

The 47-year-old from Hull was arrested this week in connection with the alleged sexual assault, which also took place in the city. Humberside Police says an investigation has been launched and the suspect was in custody today.

Officers from the force’s cyber-crime unit says the case highlights the potential dangers of online dating and are urging those bidding to find romance on the internet to take precautions.

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A recent report from the National Crime Agency’s Serious Crime Analysis Section identified a big increase in the number of reports to UK police forces about serious sexual assaults carried out by offenders who met their victims through online dating.

Most of the assaults take place the first time they meet face-to-face and it is feared potential victims are being lured into letting their guard down by not thinking of those they meet as strangers.

Detective Inspector Rich Osgerby of Humberside Police said: “Online relationships tend to progress far more quickly that those offline, as people feel more able to be more open and emotionally honest.

“The result of this is that individuals may then have a sense of being at more advanced stage in the relationship by the time they meet the person face-to-face and no longer regard them as a stranger, even though it is the first time they are meeting.

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“This can lead to individuals taking more risks than they otherwise would and putting themselves into more vulnerable situations.”

Among the suggested precautions are always using a dating website accredited by the Dating Association and informing the moderator of any inappropriate behaviour.