Indecent Image Reports Double
1 September 2016, 15:23
The number of offences involving indecent images of children reported to East Midlands Police have more than doubled in the last three years.
Derbyshire Police saw the biggest increase, more than trebling, with 285 reports last year.
In Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire, reports doubled.
The table below shows figures for the number of reported offences involving indecent images of children.
| 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | Total | |
| Derbyshire | 89 | 98 | 285 | 472 |
| Leicestershire | 71 | 105 | 193 | 369 |
| Nottinghamshire | 51 | 38 | 79 | 168 |
Nottinghamshire Police sent this statement to Capital in response to the figures:
‘We work with our partners nationally, regionally and locally to identify and bring to justice those accessing indecent images of children.
As expected with the increased use of technology and access to the internet, we have seen a rise in numbers. However, we have also seen a rise in our conviction rate.
We have a dedicated team of officers working proactively to target offenders and we work with our partners in social care, education, health and charitable organisations to raise awareness of internet safety amongst children, young people and their parents and carers.
If anyone has any concerns please contact 101 or visit the Nottinghamshire Police website for further advice.’
Internet Companies Block Images
The Internet Watch Foundation has told Capital they're already got 130 internet companies helping to block indecent images of children online.
Google, Facebook, Yahoo, Microsoft and Twitter have helped to develop 'the image hashlist', which prevents uploads, sharing and storage of images.
Emma Hardy, from the Internet Watch Foundation, says one reason for the increase, is young people:
'We do believe there are more images being created by young people, not realising what they're doing when they're using their mobile phones.'
