Two arrested as part of week of action targeting sharing of indecent images
Merseyside police have arrested two men as part of a week of action to target offenders downloading and sharing indecent images online.
The national operation, led by the National Crime Agency’s Child Exploitation and Online Protection Command (CEOP), targeted those using peer-to-peer software to make, distribute and possess indecent images of children.
Officers executed seven warrants across Merseyside last week – in Southport, Liverpool, Wirral and Huyton – seizing a large number of electronic devices and making two arrests.
Two men were arrested on suspicion of making indecent images. One has been released under investigation and the second was released on bail.
Detective Inspector Catherine Walsh said: “As a force we are committed to the protection of children and we believe everyone has a duty of care to protect young people from harm.
“Action such as this helps bring offenders to justice, which of course prevents any further offending and therefore stops more young people become victims.
“I also hope it sends a clear message to anyone considering engaging in this type of activity that the web does not give you anonymity – law enforcement agencies have ways and means of identifying who you are and paying you a visit.”
DI Walsh added: “It is important that everyone becomes more aware of the possible risk posed by the web and social media and how to report any suspicious activity. I would encourage anyone who has any concerns about the online habits of themselves or another person to get help, support and report such behaviour.
“Services such as Stop It Now!, the Mersey Forensic Psychology Service and the Safer Lives Programme are there to provide people worried about their own or someone else’s online sexual behaviour anonymous, effective support to change their outlook and ultimately prevent them from committing a crime. This clearly has huge benefits both for that individual and the wider public.
“If you commit a sexual offence against a child, including the downloading or distributing of indecent images, you face being jailed and put on the Sex Offender’s Register. This can have a massive impact on your life, your relationships with friends and family, and your opportunities for future employment. More importantly, your activity would put children at serious risk of harm – even if you are not in physical contact with a child, the downloading of indecent images creates demand which enables such abuse to continue.
“So we would urge anyone who has such inappropriate thoughts about children to seek help before it is too late.”
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