REPORTS of online child sex abuse have nearly tripled amid coronavirus lockdown.

Thames Valley Police had 64 reports of adults targeting minors online in March 2020, compared to just 26 reports in the same month the year before – a dramatic increase of 146 per cent.

Now the force has warned parents that paedophiles are using the coronavirus crisis to target youngsters who are naturally spending more time online whilst being stuck at home.

Online sex abuse happens through the internet, and usually via social media sites and online gaming.

Typically, apps like Facebook, Snapchat and Instagram monitor potential predators and flag them to the National Crime Agency.

Reports are then divvied out to the right police departments, and officers kick-start investigations.

Police officers will do some research, carry out risk assessments, find the criminal, arrest them and then seize their devices before presenting a case to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) who will make a decision about charging them.

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However, TVP officers also rely on paedophile hunter groups who pose as decoy children on the web to catch criminals out.

Detective Chief Inspector Matt Darnell, of the force’s Protecting Vulnerable People unit, said that the conviction rates are ‘quite high’.

But added that it can also be quite hard to spot the signs that it is happening and urged parents to ‘have a conversation’.

He said: “Any child or young person that uses the internet or has a smartphone could be a victim of online sexual abuse and they can be at risk from people they know, as well as strangers.

“Many young people are incredibly computer literate, have their own smart devices and games consoles and will be using the internet to stay in touch with friends whilst we all stay at home.

“But, those they are speaking to online may not be who they say they are and they can leave themselves vulnerable to those who will manipulate and groom children into what they feel is a trusting relationship.”

He said that some of the signs to look out for are children being secretive, sad, withdrawn, distracted and unable to switch off.

But he urged parents to look on the Thinkuknow website which is filled with resources for teaching youngsters about online safety.

He said: “People who attempt to exploit children on line are very serious criminals, and we want to send a message to them that this type of offending will never be tolerated.

“These are extraordinary times, but our message remains the same as always – if you attempt to exploit children on the internet, you will be caught, brought to justice and will face severe consequences of your actions.”

If you are concerned about the safety of a child call Thames Valley Police on 101 or the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000.

If you’re concerned about the sexual behaviour of an adult or child, call 101 or the Stop It Now helpline run by the Lucy Faithfull foundation on 0808 1000 900.