Central Regional Public Relations Officer of the Ghana Police, ASP Irene Serwaa Oppong has cautioned the public, especially, young girls against unguarded use of Social Media in the wake of recent kidnappings.

According to ASP Oppong, the majority of the crimes committed in recent times were facilitated through social media.

She 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 program which was facilitated by the Centre for Gender, Research Advocacy and Documentation (CEGRAD) of UCC, was on the theme "Think Equal, Build smart and innovate for change"

ASP Oppong explained that criminals use social media to lure girls and request basic information including pictures, locations which they use for criminal activities.

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

She advised them to desist from establishing quick contacts with people in busses, accepting gifts from strangers and joining unknown WhatsApp groups.

She further called on faith-based organisations to collaborate with parents in the protection of children. 

She said parents must show interest in what their wards do on social media.

She said the Police was on top of the developments but called on the public to be vigilant and support efforts the Police.

She called on communities to form watchdog teams to help check the activities of kidnappers in the region.

Kidnappings

The police officer noted that a total of 64 kidnap cases were reported in the Central Region in 2018.

11 suspects have so far been arrested out of which one has been jailed while three were on remand, she noted.

She also revealed that 34 of the victims were rescued.