A new Durham online predator warning is urging parents and guardians to watch for signs that children are being targeted by an online network known as “The Com.”
Durham Regional Police told local media that the name is short for “The Community.” Investigators say members use grooming, manipulation, coercion and intimidation on social-media, messaging and gaming platforms.
Children as young as eight have reportedly been targeted through Discord, Telegram, Snapchat, Roblox, Minecraft, Twitch and Steam. Police have not announced an arrest or released descriptions of suspects connected with the latest warning.
How investigators say children are targeted
Police say offenders may first build trust through friendship or romantic attention. They can then create secrecy through fear or shame and pressure young people into unsafe or criminal activity.
The conduct described by investigators includes coercing children to create or share exploitative images, harm themselves or others, display disturbing symbols, make hoax 9-1-1 calls, participate in online attacks or distribute harmful material. Threats can include exposing private information, doxing or swatting.
The warning follows several recent incidents in Durham that police believe may be linked to the network. It also follows a January threat against William Dunbar Public School in Pickering that investigators said may have had a connection to the same emerging online threat.
Warning signs for families
Investigators are asking adults to look for clusters of behavioural changes rather than treating one sign as proof. Possible indicators include secret use of encrypted apps, withdrawal, abrupt mood changes, declining school performance, unusually heavy device use, interest in extreme online ideologies, or a new online contact whom a child appears unusually attached to or afraid of.
Families are encouraged to keep communication open, discuss online contacts and review privacy and safety settings together. Anyone with information about concerning online activity or a person who may present a safety risk can contact Durham Regional Police.
The Durham online predator warning is the second public alert about The Com in 2026. Police said a single behavioural sign may not be concerning on its own, but several appearing together may warrant attention.
