SWINDON PAEDOPHILE HUNTER CONFRONTS MAN THINKING HE WAS MEETING A GIRL FOR SEX
Wiltshire Police have indicated they may consider collaborating with ‘paedophile hunters’ if it means better safeguarding children.This follows a statement by Chief constable Simon Bailey, who is the national lead for child protection at the National Police Chiefs’ Council.
He mentioned, “I’m not going to condone these groups and I would encourage them all to stop, but I recognise that I am not winning that conversation.” Bailey added, “I think [working with vigilantes] is something we’re going to have to potentially have to look at, yes, but it comes with some real complexity.” Wiltshire Police echoed his sentiments, saying, “We may consider working with these groups in certain instances, if it helps us protect children and we can manage the risks of their involvement.” The article highlights local paedophile hunter Danny Catcher, responsible for bringing Mark Smith to court.
Smith believed he was meeting a 14-year-old girl for sex outside Primark in June, but was confronted by Catcher instead.
Catcher revealed in court that “In 2016, paedophile hunters’ evidence was used in court on 114 occasions in a total 259 cases of meeting a child after sexual grooming.” Catcher also expressed that the police should consider collaborating with paedophile hunters, suggesting “a 'Special Constable-type' role,” though he acknowledged the challenges and the unpredictable nature of some hunters' behaviors.
Wiltshire and Swindon’s police and crime commissioner Angus Macpherson warned about the risks of entrapment, emphasizing that “Entrapment by self-appointed paedophile hunters who pose as children is risky,” and highlighting the importance of proper governance and control.
The NSPCC warned that although public involvement is valuable, the risks posed by unregulated hunters could hinder police investigations and endanger children, stressing that “identifying offenders and investigating crimes is best left to the police.”
