Crime & Safety

Hingham Girl Received Obscene Video Through Phone App: Police

Due to the incident, the police department is warning parents to be aware of similar activity on other social media platforms.

Originally published on May 10, 2016.

HINGHAM, MA - A Hingham girl received an obscene video through a live streaming app, police said.

On May 4, a mother told the Hingham Police Department that she received a frantic call from her 11-year-old daughter over a video she received on a phone app called "YouNow."

Find out what's happening in Hinghamfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

The mother said the video consisted of a white male with a "big stomach." When the camera panned lower, the viewer could see the man touching his exposed penis in an obscene manner.

Prior to watching the video, the mother checked the who the man followed on the app and noticed it was girls about the same age. The victim assumed it was a friend or another girl her age.

Find out what's happening in Hinghamfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

By the time the mother arrived at the police station, the man unfollowed the girl and no one was able to recall the username because it contained various letters and numbers.

"It is clear that this male is seeking out girls by creating a profile that makes him appear to be a young girl. This is typical predator behavior," the Hingham Police Department said.

Due to the incident, the police department is warning parents to be aware of similar activity on other social media platforms.

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.