news.com.au
Breaking news
- From: AAP
- July 20, 2011
A 29-YEAR-old Adelaide man has been charged with sexually assaulting a woman he met through an online dating service.
Police said the man was arrested last night and alleged the offence occurred at the first face-to-face meeting between the pair on Monday at the 37-year-old woman's southern suburbs home.The pair had previously talked on the phone and over the internet.
Superintendent Stephen Ryan said the incident brought attention to the dangers associated with meeting people over the internet through social media and other sites.
He said police did not want to be critical of the use of online dating services, but wanted people to take precautions.
"We recognise the value of these online social networking sites," he said.
"It's just important for the public to be aware of the issues of public safety that apply beyond the online environment.
"It's an area of concern for us. The number of people using the social networking sites is increasing.
"People need to be vigilant... to acknowledge the benefits that can be obtained and at the same time be aware of the dangers and take those dangers into account when meeting people for the first time."
Supt Ryan said after agreeing to a face-to-face meeting people should:
* Never give out personal details too soon.
* Always meet in a public place.
* Consider taking a friend for support.
* Regard the people they meet as strangers.
* Use an anonymous email account.
* Be vigilant, never take alcohol from strangers and never leave drinks unattended.
The man charged with rape was granted police bail to appear in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on August 19.
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