Four arrests amid upsurge in sex crimes

Four men have been detained after a spate of reports of young girls being molested or sexually exploited.

Police revealed that there had noticed a 'marked increase' in sex-based and exploitative crimes involving young females, during a press conference this afternoon.

Inspector Mark Clarke, from the Vulnerable Persons Unit, said that in the last six days police had received nine reports involving the sexual exploitation of young teenagers.

Today he urged parents to pay greater attention to the whereabouts of their children.

Mr Clarke added: "Several of these reports indicated that the victims had been lured to locations by persons known to them where upon they have been given alcohol and or drugs.

"Some of these assaults have involved persons unknown to the victim and took advantage of the location where they inappropriately touched, molested or had their private space intruded on.

"The internet has become a preying ground for sex offenders trying to lure victims. Offenders will try to get specific information without directly asking for it.

"Any person who by means of a communication medium communicates with a child for the purpose of sexually exploiting a child is guilty of an offence."

Inspector Clarke urged parents to make sure they knew where their children were at all times.

He added: "During the remainder of the summer season we request that all parents know at all times where their children are.

"To those who wish to sexually exploit our children, know this, we will not tolerate nor stand idly by and not act.

"We will investigate and all proven offenders will expect a court appearance.

"Simple basic preventative steps will minimize the risk our child being sexually assaulted."

Mr Clarke would not say where the assaults had taken place, but confirmed that reports were spread across the island.