Grooming Concerns

Good evening,

We would like to make you aware of two concerning incidents that have taken place over the last couple of days, and to also give you some safety tips and advice to pass on to your children.

Two unknown individuals, a male and female, have approached youths in Chaddesden stating that if they met them in a specific area at a set date and time, they would give them a bag of sweets. Another incident has been reported today regarding the same nature, but this time an unknown male conducting the same thing, as well as taking photographs of the children. This could indicate a number of things involving grooming, or encouragement to join an organised crime group in return for rewards.

We find this extremely concerning and have conducted a number of house to house and CCTV enquiries to try and identify those responsible. We are also going to be conducting more foot patrols across Chaddesden in the reported areas.

Whilst our investigations continue, please follow the below safety tips to ensure your children are safe when out and about:

- Sweets, money, vapes, phones or "help" are never okay in exchange for meeting someone, going somewhere, or keeping secrets.
- Never meet anyone in a specific place alone. Safe adults don't ask kids to meet them.
- If something feels uncomfortable or confusing, children should leave immediately and tell a trusted adult, or dial 999.
- Children should always check with a parent or carer before going anywhere or speaking to someone they don't know well.

Thank you,

Chaddesden, Oakwood and Spondon Police SNT.