Police chief warns parents about criminals who use sweets and money to lure children A 36-year-old man was arrested, this Tuesday (7), suspected of grooming and sexually abusing children in the town of Pedras, rural area of ??Matões do Norte, 143 km from São Luís. The arrest was carried out by the Civil Police of Maranhão during an operation to combat crimes against vulnerable people in the region. According to the police, investigations began after reports that the man was approaching children with sexual intentions and intimately touching the victims' genitals. Child sexual violence Marcelo Casal/Agência Brasil ?Download the g1 app to see news from MA in real time and for free According to the Civil Police, the team carried out investigation and forensic work that showed signs of the crimes being committed. Based on the evidence, the Court authorized the temporary arrest of the suspect. After legal procedures, the man was taken to the Itapecuru-Mirim Prison Unit, where he will remain at the disposal of the Judiciary. In view of the case, the chief delegate of the Miranda do Norte Civil Police Station, Renilto Ferreira, warned parents and guardians, especially those who live in rural areas, about the importance of taking extra care of children and adolescents (see the video above). According to the delegate, there are records of cases in which criminals take advantage of victims' naivety. Grooming, according to him, usually occurs through the offer of small amounts of money, sweets, candies and chocolates. The Civil Police of Miranda do Norte reinforces that the participation of the population is essential to help combat crimes of this type. Anyone who has information about suspicious behavior or cases of abuse against minors should report it. Confidentiality is guaranteed, and the identity of the complainant will be preserved.