Shocking increase in child image crimes across West Midlands

In 2016, a total of 640 crimes were recorded compared to 151 in 2011. And 691 arrests were made compared to 358 in 2011.

The figures come from an FOI made to West Midlands Police and show the number of crimes recorded for the distribution of an indecent photo of a child increased from 12 in 2011 to 288 in 2016.

Arrests resulted from a number of crimes, with the most common offence being possession of an indecent photograph of a child.

Other crimes included distributing indecent images of children, making an indecent photograph of a child and taking an indecent photo of a child.

Superintendent Paul Drover, from the force's Public Protection Unit, said: "There is no hiding place for people who download indecent images of children.

“Safeguarding children is our number one priority. We target people who view, share or download indecent images of children and those who groom children in order to make indecent images.

"We have a dedicated Online Child Sexual Exploitation Team consisting of 25 officers, intelligence specialists to proactively interrogate suspicious internet activity and e-forensics experts to analyse IT equipment in order to recover key evidence.

“We are committed to identifying vulnerable children and keeping them from the clutches of online groomers.

“Anyone who encourages child abuse by viewing or sharing paedophilic images needs to prepare themselves for a loud knock at the door by our officers.

"Since June 2016 we have carried out almost 140 warrants at the homes of suspected paedophiles and made 110 arrests for online child sex offences.

“Offenders are getting more sophisticated in the way they exchange paedophilic images and develop child abuse websites. Some are very tech savvy − but we have IT experts within the team who are capable of recovering illegal material.

“Using the latest mobile technology we also have the capability, in certain circumstances, to set up digital forensics laboratories in the homes of suspects to examine computers, mobiles, tables and data storage devices at the scene.

“It allows us to immediately secure evidence in order to speed up the process and therefore enable a quicker more informed decision to be made in terms of charges and putting the suspect before the courts."

An NSPCC spokesman said: “The production, consumption and circulation of child abuse images are abhorrent and dangerous crimes.

“Each image depicts innocent children suffering the most horrific abuse. And anyone viewing them is fuelling the demand for this vile industry – leading to more victims being harmed.

“And anyone concerned about a child you can call the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000, while young people can contact Childline in confidence on 0800 1111 or via childline.org.uk.”