Crime

Public cautioned against use of social media


The public, especially young girls, has been cautioned against unguarded use of social media in the wake of recent kidnappings.   Assistant Superintendent of Police ((ASP) Irene Serwaa Opong, Central Regional Public Relations Officer of the Ghana Police Service (GPS), who issued the warning, said a majority of the crimes committed in recent times, were facilitated through social media.

She said a total of 64 kidnapped cases were reported in the region in 2018, 11 suspects so far arrested out of which one had been jailed while three were on remand, adding that 34 of the victims were rescued.

ASP Oppong was addressing hundreds of women and young girls at a ceremony to mark this year’s International Woman’s Day, held at the University of Cape Coast (UCC).

The programme, which was facilitated by the Centre for Gender, Reseah Advocacy and Documentation (CEGRAD) of UCC, was on the theme: ‘Think equal, build smart and innovate for change’ 

ASP Oppong said that criminals used social media to lure girls and request basic information, including pictures, locations which they used for their activities.

She advised young girls, in particular, to be wary of friends they make on Facebook and other social media platforms.

The Police Public Relations Officer asked them to desist from establishing quick contacts with people in busses, accept gifts from strangers and joining unknown WhatsApp groups.

She called on faith-based organisations to collaborate with parents in the protection of children online and in communities, and asked parents to show interest in what their children did on social media.

ASP Oppong said the police was on top of developments, but called on the public to be vigilant and support police efforts aimed at preventing crime.
She called on communities to form watchdog teams to help check activities of kidnappers and crime.
GNA

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