Guernsey hit by 'sharp rise' in sextortion cases
BBCA "sharp rise" in sextortion cases have been reported to police in Guernsey, according to the island's force.
Guernsey Police said eight incidents had been investigated locally so far in 2024.
A spokesperson for the force described the crime as "people being forced into paying money or meeting another financial demand after an offender has threatened to release compromising or indecent photos of them".
Although anyone can be targeted, 91% of all cases reported to the Internet Watch Foundation in the UK in 2023 were 14 to 18-year-old boys, the spokesperson added.
The rise has also coincided with an alert from the National Crime Agency to all schools in the UK in April, flagging the rise in sextortion and the dangers it presents.
It has led to police staff working to ensure students on the island understand sextortion and how to avoid becoming a victim.
Guernsey Police has released the following tips to avoid becoming a victim:
- Only accept friend requests from people you have met face to face
- Do not pay
- Screenshot what has happened and do not delete anything
- Stop all contact, block and report
- Get support from a trusted adult
- Report to the police
Digital safety development officer Laura Simpson said: “This crime plays on the feelings of guilt and shame, which makes it easy to isolate teenagers.
"Through our schools programme, we have shared information and advice about avoiding sextortion, and would encourage anyone who may have been victim of this type of crime to report it.”
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