Perth Pedo Hunters: posing online and confronting ‘creeps’

Gareth Parker speaks to Jay, one of two men who made a citizen’s arrest of a 61 year old man who they’d enticed to a local park.
Jay and his friend pretended to be a 14 year old boy on dating site Grindr.
Jay told Gareth that just minutes after creating the fake profile it received dozens of ‘hits’ online, despite clearly stating it was for a 14 year old.
He and his friend have confronted five people in person – all over 18 – who agreed to meet up with someone they believed was a 14 year old boy.
One of the confrontations led to an arrest of a 61 year old who has been charged with intent to procure a person believed to be under 16 years for sexual activity.
He was refused bail.
Jay said although he knew some people including the Police didn’t encourage his behaviour he would continue.
“There is a major problem with this stuff,” he said.
“For us we feel we are doing a good thing.
“I know a few Police officers and they have told me for everyone one they catch there could be 50 that get away.
“If it wasn’t us it could be an actual 14 year old meeting that man.”
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