Police Scotland’s dedicated online CSAE taskforce has arrested 214 people in almost six months REPORTS of online child sexual abuse and exploitation (CSAE) have increased by 13.4%, according to Police Scotland. A total of 1522 child sexual abuse crimes were recorded between April and December last year, a 13.4% increase on the same period in 2019. This is 33.9% higher than the five-year average. Police Scotland’s dedicated online CSAE taskforce has arrested 214 people in almost six months since it began operations on September 1 last year. As a result, 51 children were protected and 286 safeguarded. Those arrested were mostly males aged between 14 to 76 years. Their offences included indecent communication with children and criminality associated with downloading and/or sharing images and videos of child sexual abuse.
Scots cops arrest over 200 after huge spike in online abuse during lockdown
Big jumps have been recorded in sharing indecent images and communication online
Updated
Online child abuse has spiked in Scotland since the start of the lockdown. (Image: PA)
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Child sex offence reports rocketed in lockdown as cops arrest more than 200 CHILD sex abuse reports rocketed in lockdown with some crimes seeing increases of more than 35 per cent. Since opening six months ago, Police Scotland s dedicated online child sexual abuse crimes unit has arrested 214 people, which they say protected 51 children and safeguarded 286. At least one boy as young as 14 was arrested in connection with vile crimes against children. In figures published today, the national force reported that 1,522 child sexual abuse crimes were recorded between April and December 2020, a 13.4 per cent increase in the same period in 2019 and 33.9 per cent higher than the five-year average.