'We know it can be traumatic but come into us and let us resolve the situation'- Tipp Garda Chief

Gardaí are concerned about the rise in young people blackmailed for intimate photos.

Chief Superintendent Colm O’Sullivan raised the issue at last week’s sitting of the Tipperary Joint Policing Committee.

He said the issue is becoming more prevalent nationwide, with some reports in Tipperary.

He called for anyone affected by the issue to come forward and let the gardaí help.

“We would say to that person, we know it can be traumatic but come into us and let us resolve the situation,” said Chief Supt O’Sullivan.

The Chief Superintendent told the committee young people are being targeted on social media.

The scam involves a person being sent intimate photos and asked to send one back. When they do, the scammer threatens to send their photo to friends and family if they don’t give them money. He said this is an issue nationwide but with only a small number of cases in Tipperary.

However, the gardaí are concerned there are victims out there who have not come forward.
“If there is anyone out there, please come to us and let us help,” said Chief Supt O’Sullivan.

The gardaí, he said, are keen to stop the problem from spreading in the Premier County. Sinn Féin TD Martin Browne suggested Tipperary County Council and the gardaí run a public awareness campaign with a helpline to encourage people to come forward.

Cahir councillor Marie Murphy supported the idea of a campaign and suggested it be targeted in schools.

Chief Superintendent O’Sullivan replied that the Crime Prevention Team is currently preparing a campaign for secondary schools and colleges.