Cases of child sexual exploitation have soared in Cumbria, police have revealed.

Officers are urging parents to talk to their children and be aware of what they are doing after revealing the shock figures.

The number of recorded child sexual exploitation (CSE) cases in Cumbria has risen dramatically in the last two years.

Between 2015 and 2016 there were 292 recorded crimes. This figure rose to 489 between 2017 and 2018.

Detective Chief Inspector Dan St Quintin, of Cumbria Police, said: "We are finding that as a result of more people using social media and electronic devices, the opportunities to commit all types of crime are made easier.

"What we're finding is perpetrators find the most vulnerable children in the communities that they can prey upon.

"We have convicted both men and women. It's not just men. It certainly isn't Asian taxi drivers - it's far more subtle than that in Cumbria.

"Our profile of perpetrators in Cumbria are older teenagers, as well as young adults, targeting younger teenagers and children, rather than your stereotypical middle aged man in a mac. Although we have got older people who have been convicted as well."

Child sexual exploitation (CSE) is a form of sexual abuse in which a young person is manipulated or forced into sexual activity in return for something such as gifts, money or affection.

As part of Child Safety Week this week (June 3-7), a West Cumbrian teenager who was a victim of CSE, has bravely spoken out about her experience to give hope to others.

The 17-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was raped two years ago after her abuser began messaging her through Facebook and Snapchat. He is now behind bars.

She said: "He used to message me and stuff. He kept sending photos. It got worse. He'd message me asking to meet and stuff. If I said no, he'd ignore it for a bit but he kept pestering.

"It's the way he used to do it. He would try and be your friend while he was doing it. He knew what he was doing."

Her mother said: "He destroyed the family that we had because we've never been the same. He destroyed everything. We're lucky because we've come out stronger. We're a lot closer than we were. You don't lose that guilt because you're supposed to protect your children and he took that away.

"When we got the guilty verdict that gave her a lot of closure because people believed her. I think she was so scared of not being believed. She was able to move on.

"I don't think anyone understands how it affects the family. We have to start all over again. I feel sorry for his family too. They didn't raise a rapist. He's destroyed his own family, not just ours.

"It's hard but I'm so proud of her. She's so brave."

The girl and her mother are now urging other victims to speak up.

"You will be believed," the mother said. "I wouldn't want people to be scared coming forward thinking they're going to judge me.

"The way she was treated by the police afterwards was amazing. They looked after her. It wasn't made frightening. They made it as easy as possible."

Cumbria Police have issued some advice to parents to coincide with Child Safety Week.

Det Ch Insp St Quintin said: "Parents please talk to your children. Listen to what they have got to say. Be aware of what they are doing. Build up that relationship so you notice changes.

"Report any concerns that you've got. Be aware of what social media usage children are having and who they are communicating with."

The inspector also urged people to be careful about what they share online.

"Don't put photos on the internet that you wouldn't show your family. Once it's published you've lost control of it.

"Please use privacy settings on your social media profiles to prevent strangers from communicating with you. Have your privacy settings at the highest level.

"Regularly check your friends lists - make sure you know who has access to your information," he added.

Warning signs that may indicate a child or young person is being abused include:

  • Changes in behaviour - being secretive about who they are talking to and where they are going
  • Becoming emotionally volatile
  • Engaging less with the usual friends and networks they have
  • Appearing to be controlled by their phone
  • Regularly going missing or not telling people where they have been
  • Associating with older people
  • Possessing items such as phones, jewellery, trainers, or clothing and the account from where they have come from might be suspicious

For advice and support on child sexual exploitation visit: www.thinkuknow.co.uk