PAEDOPHILES who operate online have been warned they are being pursued by officers from a dedicated team set up to protect children from harm.
Over 200 children have been safeguarded by Operation Safenet, launched in 2015 by Staffordshire Police and since adopted by Warwickshire Police in January.
The operation aims to keep children safe by detecting abuse and prosecuting offenders for owning and sharing indecent images of children.
Police officers and skilled forensics staff use the latest digital techniques to target where images are being viewed, before obtaining search warrants, seizing evidence and arresting suspects.
A recent example was the arrest of a 34-year-old Rugby man on suspicion of possession of indecent images of children after the Operation Safenet team obtained and executed a search warrant at his home.
Detective Superintendent Damian Barratt from Warwickshire and West Mercia Police said: “An indecent image of a child is an image of a victim of child abuse.
“Those who download and exchange illegal images leave a digital footprint and police will trace them.
“There will be more investigations, more arrests and we will bring more offenders to justice.
“If anyone has information relating to child sexual exploitation or suspicions that someone is using the internet to access indecent images I would urge them to contact police on 101.”
Children and young people who have been asked to do something that makes them feel uncomfortable, either on or offline, can report it through the Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) centre at www.ceop.police.uk – as can anyone concerned on a child’s behalf.
Adults concerned about their own behaviour, or that of someone they know, can find more information at The Lucy Faithfull Foundation website at www.stopitnow.org.uk.
Visit www.warwickshire.police.uk/operationsafenet for more information and regular updates on investigations.
