INDECENT internet images of children have more than doubled in Warwickshire over the last two years – sparking a call for more police powers.
Figures obtained by the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) show the number of such images being reported to police in the county rose from 68 in 2013 to 128 in 2015 – a 113 per cent increase.
While the rise was less than the near-tripling of reports nationwide, the figures also indicated one in six offenders were underage themselves, and that only half of parents knew that children taking nude selfies were committing a crime.
The NSPCC has called for police to be given greater resources to tackle the growing threat, highlighting the responsibility of the UK’s digital industry in tackling the issue.
And the charity is urging parents to talk to children about the risks of sharing nude selfies on mobile phones and social media as this may be partly fuelling the rise in offences by under-18s.
Peter Wanless, CEO of the NSPCC, said the war on child abuse images was only just beginning.
He said: “Digital technology has fuelled an explosion in the production and consumption of child sexual abuse images. “Committed leadership from government, and dedicated police operations have made a real difference.
“But the internet industry must prioritise this issue by committing their expertise and work with the public and voluntary sector to find solutions.
“As well as pursuing and deterring adults who make and distribute these we must educate children about how to keep themselves safe online and offline and how to get help as soon as grooming or abuse happens. And every child who is the victim of exploitation and abuse should get the support they need to rebuild their lives.”
A spokesman added: “The big rise in adults caught with indecent images of children shows the demand for this sickening material is still growing.
“Behind all these images is a child who has suffered appalling harm and may still be in danger today. And a significant proportion of those who view child abuse images have an increased risk of acting out their desire to sexually abuse children.”
The charity says internet companies must make it easier for nude selfies to be removed from the internet, victims must have better access to support, and offenders must be offered treatment to reduce their future risk to children.
Detective Chief Inspector Carl Moore of Warwickshire Police said 24 children had been safeguarded and 18 people arrested since ‘Operation Safenet’ was launched in the county in May.
He said: “We have a dedicated team of officers and digital forensic staff proactively tracking people in Warwickshire.
“The team use the latest digital investigative techniques to identify where illegal images are being viewed, allowing the police and digital forensic experts to seize evidence from the home and arrest those involved.
“This approach means police can immediately take action to prevent further offences and protect children at risk.
“An indecent image of a child is a young person in a real situation, being horrifically abused. Offenders should be in no doubt that they are perpetuating the child’s suffering by making, distributing, and possessing indecent images.”
Visit www.warwickshire.police.uk/article/10484/Sexting-Think-twice for police advice for young people.
Visit www.ceop.police.uk to report any concerns about children being abused.
Call the O2 and NSPCC online safety helpline on 0808 8005002 for advice on issues such as parental controls and privacy settings.
