Paedophiles arrested in month-long operation
TWENTY-EIGHT suspected paedophiles including four in Halton were arrested in a month-long police operation as part of “huge strides” taken to catch those who view abuse images of children.
Cheshire Constabulary officers executed 40 warrants across the county during April, equating to at least one a day.
Of those arrested: two were in the Runcorn local policing unit area, two in Widnes, Northwich had five, while Crewe, Chester, Ellesmere Port and Warrington each had four arrests, and there were three in Macclesfield, A force spokesman said the month of action was part of a Cheshire police drive to tackle the issue of indecent and abuse images, and was led by the constabulary’s revamped and expanded Online Child Abuse Investigation Team (OCAIT) and supported by other departments.
Cheshire police said the viewing of abuse images of children has risen by around 400%, meaning increasing to about five times what it was previously, in the last four years, with growth accelerated during the first Covid lockdown in March 2020 because “people had more time on their hands, increased their use of the internet to relieve boredom”, and had more access to digital devices and online platforms.
In response, the force massively expanded its specialist team tackling the issue, which more than quadrupled in size from 10 detectives and staff to a 46-strong unit.
Most of the 28 suspects arrested during April have been bailed or released under investigation while seized devices are examined and investigations continue.
The spokesman said that in addition, 24 children connected or related to the suspects have been safeguarded as part of the operation – meaning that other agencies have been informed of the action taken and appropriate risk assessments have been undertaken.
Detective Chief Inspector Gavin Day, who oversees the OCAIT, said: “The Covid pandemic saw a massive rise in both children and offenders having greater access to the internet and the various platforms it provides. Where other areas of the Constabulary got quieter as they saw a decrease in offending, we got a lot busier.
“That’s also partly been due to social media companies getting better at picking up on these types of offences and identifying offenders, and then bringing them to our attention. Because our team has been so small, it’s not really been possible for us to match this surge and take the action that we need to.
“That’s why this month has been so positive for us as now we have the resources to get out there and lock these offenders up. And it doesn’t stop here.
“We know there are many more people in the county who are accessing this type of material and my message to them is that we are better equipped than ever to find out what you’re up to and take action against you.”
Anyone concerned about their own or someone else’s online behaviour can contact the Stop It Now! confidential helpline on 0808 1000 900 or visit stopitnow.org.uk