Creep Hunters snares man

Photo: Creep Hunters

A group called Vernon Creep Hunters claims to have caught a 23-year-old Salmon Arm man in its net.

The group, like Creep Catchers, publicly names and shames people they claim are child predators.

Their efforts are not condoned by the RCMP.

In its video on Facebook, two women who do not identify themselves but say they are from Creep Hunters, take iPhone video of the man outside a local mall.

According to the group, the man initiated contact with Lily, a fictitious 14-year-old girl that is used as a lure.

The group states the man had rented a place for the two of them.

On the video, he says he had no intention of having sex with the girl.

An RCMP spokesperson refused comment on this specific claim however Cpl. Dan Moskaluk stated: "The RCMP does not condone vigilantism and would recommend the public to leave investigations to the police.  We are always concerned when people decide to bypass law enforcement and take matters into their own hands. When that happens there is a risk that investigations can be jeopardized and key evidence can be lost. 
 
This activity is not something the RCMP would condone or recommend. Individuals who engage in this type of action can risk their personal safety or the safety of other youths and the community.  In regard to monitoring criminal activities online, this work should be left to police officers who can do this in a controlled environment. This way evidence can be obtained to support charges, which is the best way to get dangerous offenders off our streets.

We strongly advises individuals to contact their local police service or cybertip.ca to report suspected on-line child exploitation to ensure that they do not place themselves in a potentially dangerous position."