Internet sex offender purge across Humberside

Internet sex offenders across Humberside have been targeted as part of a six month long national operation.

So far, across the UK, the operation has safeguarded 431 children, arrested 660 people, seized 9172 devices and searched 833 properties.

In Humberside, 19 offenders have been arrested or interviewed so far.

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Detective Superintendent Alastair O’Neill said: “Humberside Police deal with criminals who perpetrate offences over the internet every day. We have the capacity and capability to be both reactive and proactive in our ability to deal robustly with criminals who target children and specifically those who trade in the indecent images of children.

“In 2013 our dedicated team of investigators arrested 58 people and 30 people were charged in 2013 with image offences. Over 1,000 computer devices were recovered and examined.

“So far in 2014 we have arrested 52 people and to date 21 people have been charged. We have recovered and examined over 800 devices.

“We will not rest in ensuring that children are made safe from predators, and that the public can go about their lawful private lives online free from cyber abuse and criminality.”

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He continued: “Offenders need to know that the internet is not a safe anonymous space for accessing indecent images. They leave a digital footprint and we will find it.”

The ongoing initiative was co-ordinated by the Association of Chief Police Officers and the National Crime Agency and supported by 45 police forces across the UK.

If you are a child and you want to speak to someone in confidence about anything that upsets you, you can contact ChildLine on 0800 1111 or go to www.childline.org.uk to chat to a counsellor in confidence.

Adults can call 0808 800 5000 or email help@nspcc.org.uk

If you have a real emergency or need immediate help you should call 999 or contact local police.

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The Lucy Faithfull Foundation is a registered child protection charity dedicated to reducing the risk of children being sexually abused. It works with entire families affected by sexual abuse, including adult male and female sexual abusers, young people with inappropriate sexual behaviours, victims of abuse, and other family members.

More information for adults concerned about their own behaviour, or that of someone they know, is available at www.stopitnow.org.uk/. More information for parents is available at www.parentsprotect.co.uk/.

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