DETECTIVES involved in a covert operation made an arrest yesterday morning in the Port Macquarie CBD in relation to child grooming offences.
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The arrest was made just after 10am by officers in the Sex Crimes Squad’s Child Exploitation Unit (CEIU).
Police were originally tipped off earlier this year when they received two reports from teenage boys about being targeted online and by phone. The 34-year-old man allegedly requested explicit photos.
Detectives commenced investigations as a result of the reports. A detective from the CEIU posed as a 14-year-old boy and engaged with the man both online and via mobile phone conversations. Police said a number of the conversations were sexually explicit and that plans were made for the pair to meet.
The man was taken to Port Macquarie Police Station where police anticipate he will be charged with two counts of using a carriage service to procure persons under 16-years for sexual activity.
POLICE have also executed a search warrant at a home in Coffs Harbour where a number of items relating to the investigation were seized.
Anyone with any information to assist police in their investigations should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Meanwhile police have urged parents and children to be mindful of the dangers associated with the internet.
