The Hughestown Crime Watch is taking a proactive approach to addressing the alarming statistics regarding child exploitation on the internet. With over 36 million reports of suspected child exploitation received by the CyberTipline in 2024, and one in five youth in Pennsylvania being harassed or solicited online in the past year alone, it is clear that this is a serious issue that needs to be addressed.
In an effort to educate the community, the Hughestown Crime Watch is hosting a presentation on this sensitive topic. The goal is to raise awareness of the current criminal trends and provide information on how to protect children online. Detective Neil Murphy, a member of the computer crisis unit of Luzerne County, will be leading the presentation on internet crimes against children. The Crime Watch is encouraging all members of the community and surrounding towns to attend this informative event.
The meeting will take place on Friday, Feb. 7, at 7 p.m. at the Hughestown Hose Company. This is an important opportunity for parents, guardians, and community members to learn about the dangers children face online and how to keep them safe. By being informed and vigilant, we can work together to protect our children from potential harm.
In addition to the presentation on internet safety, the Hughestown Borough Building is open to the public with office hours from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday. This is an opportunity for residents to address any questions or concerns they may have.
Residents are reminded to clean out their recyclables before putting them in the bin, as the recycling company will not accept dirty cans or partially filled bottles. Styrofoam is also not accepted in recycling, so residents are urged to be mindful of what they are disposing of.
As part of the Hallmark Project, memorial bricks are available to be purchased and placed at the Memorial Town Square. This project provides a meaningful way to recognize and remember loved ones. The bricks are 12-by-12 inches, and applications to purchase bricks can be obtained at the borough office.
In conclusion, the Hughestown Crime Watch is taking important steps to educate the community on the dangers of child exploitation online. By attending the presentation and staying informed, we can all work together to protect the children in our community. Let’s come together to ensure a safe and secure online environment for our children.