Waikato Police warn of dangers of internet dating

Waikato Police are reiterating warnings on the dangers of internet dating made last year following a complaint of sexual assault in Hamilton over the weekend.

Acting Waikato Crime Services Manager, Detective Inspector Greg Nicholls, said a 41-year-old man was appearing in the Hamilton District Court today on a variety of charges related to the alleged sexual assault of a woman in her home early Saturday morning.

"The offender and victim had connected via the internet sometime last November and had been in subsequent contact since by phone, text and email but had not previously met in person.

"They had plans to meet on Friday night which fell through, however subsequent to that we believe the man has gone to the woman's home where she became the victim of a sexual assault."

Mr Nicholls said Police urged people to take care when meeting with someone they had met over the internet.

"Wherever possible when meeting with someone for the first time meet in a public place, such as a cafe or restaurant and inform someone where you are going and who you are meeting."