"Mate Crime" mum

The number of people with autism and Asperger's syndrome in Merseyside being subjected to mate crime is 'staggeringly high' according to a report from Wirral Autistic Society - and the most vulnerable age group is 16 to 25. Mate crime, a form of disability hate crime, is a term used to describe a false relationship, where someone befriends a vulnerable person and then uses that friendship to manipulate or bully. It can take the form of verbal, physical or sexual abuse, theft, manipulation or online bullying. The report is based on a survey* undertaken by the society earlier this year.

We've been speaking to one Wirral mum, who's son lost a large sum of money after becoming a target of 'mate crime', by people he believed were his friends.

She wants to remain anonymous, but told us the issue must be taken more seriously....