Accessing indecent imagery of children is not a victimless crime

National Police Chiefs' Council Lead for Child Protection, Chief Constable Simon Bailey said:

“There have been year on year increases in reports from technology companies, internet services providers, and other law enforcement agencies of people accessing indecent images of children. As a service, we are responding to this rise by searching more properties, arresting more offenders and safeguarding more children than ever before. This is a national priority and chief officers are regularly meeting to coordinate a nationwide response to these crimes.  Through the use of new technology, such as the Child Abuse Image Database (CAID), we are able to catch more offenders and rescue more children from harm.

“Accessing indecent imagery of children is not a victimless crime. The images depict the worst possible forms of child abuse and those who access them create a market for further images to be produced.  People accessing indecent images or with an interest in doing should stop and get help by contacting the Lucy Faithfull Stop it Now helpline on 0808 1000 900.

“Many of the indecent images forces recover are originally shared consensually between young people and then circulated where they lose control of the image.  We would urge parents and guardians to speak to children about their activities online and explain the value of privacy to protect them.”