March 2016 Essex Community Messages received  (click here to see introduction)

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29/3/16

'Sexting' is an increasingly common activity among children and young people, where they share inappropriate or explicit images online or through mobile phones. It can also refer to written messages.  Young people may also call it: cybersex, sending a nudie, picture or selfie.

'Sexting' is often seen as flirting by children and young people who feel that it's a part of normal life. 'Sexting' is more common than you may think, and has been found to be commonplace amongst children and young people. Most young people do not see 'sexting' as a problem and are reluctant to talk to adults about it because they are afraid of being judged or having their phones taken away.

Young people may see 'sexting' as harmless activity but there are risks. Taking, sharing or receiving an image, even voluntarily, can have a long-lasting negative impact.  It may be common but 'sexting' is illegal. By sending an explicit image, a young person is producing and distributing child abuse images and risks being prosecuted, even if the picture is taken and shared with their permission.

It's easy to send a photo or message but the sender has no control about how it's passed on. When images are stored or shared online they become public.They can be deleted on social media or may only last a few seconds on apps like Snapchat, but images can still be saved or copied by others. These images may never be completely removed and could be found in the future, for example when applying for jobs or university.

Young people may think 'sexting' is harmless but it can leave them vulnerable to:

Blackmail - an offender may threaten to share the pictures with the child's family and friends
unless the child sends money or more images.

Bullying - If images are shared with their peers or in school, the child may be bullied.

Unwanted attention - Images posted online can attract the attention of sex offenders, who know how to search for, collect and modify images.

Emotional distress - Children can feel embarrassed and humiliated. If they are very distressed this could lead to suicide or self-harm.

How to talk to your child about sexting...

It may feel awkward but, as a parent, it's important to explain to your child the risks of 'sexting', how to stay safe and that they can talk to you if something ever makes them feel scared or uncomfortable.

Your child may not want to talk about sexting, so we have included some advice from young people on how to approach the conversation below.

1. Think about the best way of starting the conversation. You know your child best and your approach should be based on your child and your parenting style.

When you give your child their first mobile phone, outline your expectations and explain the rules of having the phone. Monitor how younger children can use their phone – for example, set up controls so that only you can authorise the apps that your child downloads. 

Ask your child what they feel is acceptable to send to people and then ask if they would be happy for you, a stranger or other children to see that photo. If the answer is 'no', explain that the image or message is probably not appropriate to send.

Make sure your child is comfortable saying no, that they know their body is private and that being asked to 'sext' is inappropriate.

2. Explain the risks of sexting. Tell your child what can happen when things go wrong. Don't accuse your child of 'sexting', but do explain the dangers.

You may find it easiest to use real-life examples, such as television programmes or news stories, to help you explain the risks. You can also look at ChildLine's advice about 'sexting'

together. Ask them if they would want something private shown to the world. Explain that photos are easy to forward and can be copied. Talk about whether your child thinks that the person who sends a request is likely to be asking other people to do the same.

3. Reassure your child you will be supportive and understanding. Let your child know that you are always there for support if they feel pressured by anyone. Tell your child to come to you if someone asks them to ‘sext’ or if they receive an explicit message. Let them know that you won’t be angry with them but just want to make sure they are safe and happy.

For more information visit: www.thinkuknow.co.uk  

17/3/16

Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) is a form of sexual abuse that affects thousands of children and young people every year in the UK, when young people under 18 receive ‘something’ (food, accommodation, drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, affection, gifts, money) in exchange for performing, and/or others performing on them, sexual activities.
Sexting = Sexting refers to the exchange of sexually explicit images. This exchange can be done through mobile picture messages or webcams over the internet. Information for parents is available from NSPCC on sexting, how to talk to your child about sexting and what to do if your child has been affected by sexting.
Grooming = Making someone feel cared for, giving someone affection, building an emotional connection and trust with someone for the purpose of sexual exploitation. The grooming process can be over a long period of time or can happen quickly. Grooming techniques can also be used on those associated with a victim in order to support access to that victim. Many victims do not recognise manipulative techniques used by the perpetrator.
Please use the following link to find out more.
http://www.essex.police.uk/be_safe/child_sexual_exploitation.aspx

16/3/16

There was a dwelling burglary in Rectory Avenue Rochford before 09:15 on 16/03/16. The occupier was away for a few days and returned to find that property had been removed. The point of entry is not known at this stage.

If you saw any suspicious activity at the time or have any information please call Essex Police on the non-emergency number 101 or 999 in an emergency.

You can also give information anonymously to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Please also consider the security of your gardens/sheds and outbuildings. There is often equipment which can be easily taken from within the boundary of your property or implements which can assist entry into your homes. Crime prevention advice is available by viewing the following link http://www.essex.police.uk/be_safe/burglary.aspx

11/3/16

There was a dwelling burglary in Lower Road, Hullbridge at 5pm on 9th March 2016. A female visitor to the property pretended to be an undercover police officer and stated she needed to search. The elderly occupant allowed entry and cash was stolen. If you saw any suspicious activity at the time or have any information please call Essex Police on the non-emergency number 101 or 999 in an emergency. You can also give information anonymously to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org Author PC 1325 Rayleigh Police Station, Circulation: Rochford District

7/3/16

There was a dwelling burglary in Rectory Avenue Rochford overnight 06–07/03/16 between 22:00 and 05:00. Property, car keys and a high value car removed.

If you saw any suspicious activity at the time or have any information please call Essex Police on the non-emergency number 101 or 999 in an emergency. You can also give information anonymously to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Please also consider the security of your gardens/sheds and outbuildings. There is often equipment which can be easily taken from within the boundary of your property or implements which can assist entry into your homes. Crime prevention advice is available by viewing the following link http://www.essex.police.uk/be_safe/burglary.aspx

4/3/16

Warning: There has been an Attempted Burglary in Parklands Rochford and a Burglary Dalys Road Rochford these occurred overnight Friday 4th March. Entry gained via front door. Now is a good time to review your security. Advice is available on our website www.essex.police.uk or you can speak to our Crime Reduction officer Emma Clark on 101 extension 490533.

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