Op Safenet officers complete two weeks of intensification

Officers working on Operation Safenet have completed two weeks of intensification, helping to prevent the sexual exploitation of children over the internet.

In the last two weeks, officers from the force’s Online Child Protection Exploitation Team (CPET) have safeguarded a total of 37 children from across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent.

Officers have also actioned a total of 24 referrals, made numerous arrests and interviewed a number of suspects.

The focus has seen officers seek to identify those who distribute indecent images of children, those who groom children online and those who actively discuss the sexual abuse of children via online chat platforms.

The CPET team has worked with the National Crime Agency, international law enforcement, internet service providers and social media companies to identify suspects and safeguard victims.

Speaking of the work of the team, Detective Inspector Kate Tomkins, of CPET said: "I would like to send a clear message to those individuals within Staffordshire and the wider region, who are looking at indecent imagery of children on the internet or using the internet as a vehicle to sexually exploit children in any form: you will be identified and brought to justice.

“I would also like to urge parents or carers of children who have access to the internet, to ensure they are aware of their child’s online activity in order that they are kept safe whilst using the internet.”

To find out more about how to protect yourself and loved ones online, visit https://www.staffordshire.police.uk/cybercrime