Crackdown on Online Child Sexual Exploitation

Operation Net Safe - which involves the four Welsh forces - sees police officers and highly skilled digital forensics staff proactively seeking out those using the internet to view and exchange images of child sex abuse and exploitation in Wales.

Dedicated police and forensic teams seek out people using the internet to view and exchange child abuse images and videos in Wales.

Mobile forensics laboratories can be set up in the homes of suspects to examine computers, mobiles, tablets and data storage devices.

Since the operation began six weeks ago, there have been 19 investigations, leading to six people being arrested.

Welcoming the launch of Operation NetSafe, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Gwent, Jeff Cuthbert, said: "Protecting the most vulnerable from harm is a top priority for us in Gwent and it's only through strong collaborative working with our partners can we seek to provide the best possible quality of service for some of our most vulnerable citizens.

Sexual exploitation is a danger to all children and that is why preventing crimes of this nature and protecting our children from serious harm is such an important focus for me in developing my police and crime plan for Gwent. You can rest assured that all reports relating to child sexual exploitation will be taken seriously by Gwent Police and will be thoroughly investigated. As Commissioner I will continue to support the Force in utilising and investing in the latest technology so it can pursue and arrest those who prey on our children online with the aim of bringing those who exploit them to justice."

As part of the operation, Police are working closely with child protection charity, the Lucy Faithfull Foundation, whose Stop it Now! Campaign directs offenders, potential offenders, and their concerned loved ones to a confidential and anonymous helpline, and self-help resources to enable them to proactively address their behaviour.

Confidential information and advice is also available from Lucy Faithfull Foundation's Stop it Now! website, https://www.stopitnow.org.uk , or help@stopitnow.org.uk