Co-ordinated operation sees suspected paedophile arrests

Police target dozens in Surrey and Hampshire as 660 arrests are made across the country

FORTY suspected paedophiles have been arrested across Surrey and Hampshire as part of a national operation targeting child abuse.

Co-ordinated by the National Crime Agency, 45 police forces across the country have arrested 660 suspects and helped protect more than 400 children after six months of investigations.

In Surrey, seven people were arrested for offences relating to possessing and/or sharing of indecent images of children, with 62 computers and related items seized along with thousands of books, magazines, DVDs and cassettes.

Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Cundy, of the Surrey and Sussex Specialist Crime Command, said: “Working closely with the National Crime Agency, we have identified and arrested those who use the internet to access indecent images of children.

“This operation aimed to protect children who are, or might be at risk of sex- ual exploitation. Those who access indecent images should know the internet is not anonymous and we will pursue you.”

Hampshire Constabulary has arrested 33 men on suspicion of the same offences after receiving 37 packages relating to suspected online child sex offences.

Hampshire’s Detective Chief Inspector Becky Riggs, said: “Today’s announcement of the results of the operation marks the culmination of six months of covert work by our dedicated officers.

“Online child sexual abuse is one of the areas we investigate as part of our work tackling child abuse and child sexual exploitation in general. Online offences can involve actual physical abuse and grooming as well as the making, possession and distribution of indecent images of children.

“All are criminal offences and a form of child abuse.

“They are not victimless crimes. Each time an image is shared, it further victimises that child.”

Surrey Police has said no evidence has yet been found linking any of those arrested to ‘contact offending’, but have still put precautionary child protection measures on four children where suspects have had access to them.

Among the 660 arrested across the country are teachers, doctors and Scout leaders, while 39 are registered sex offenders. National Crime Agency deputy director general, Phil Gormley said this was the first time the UK has been able to coordinate such an operation.

“Some of the people who start by accessing indecent images online go on to abuse children directly,” he said.

“So the operation is not only about catching people who have already offended – it is about influencing potential offenders before they cross that line.”

Anyone worried about their sexual thoughts or behaviour towards children can get help by calling Stop It Now on 0808 1000 900, while victims or anyone who has suspicions of abuse or sharing indecent images should call 101 or 999.