CUMBRIA Police have achieved an intense week of cyber and digital policing and completed various goals.

The constabularies Cyber and digital crime unit successfully conducted five positive warrants in relationship to indecent images of children, seized 29 devices, safeguarded seven children and arrested one suspect.

Three people have also been charged with making indecent images of children.

Six Cease and Desist notices were handed out, this action was in partnership with the North West Regional Crime Unit.  

This week of action highlights areas of work the cyber and digital crime unit undertake to target offenders linked to online abuse images – and those involved should take note.

Inspector Ian Harwood, who leads the unit, said: “Our specialist officers are continuing their proactive work, often unseen, to deal with online offending and to help and safeguard those who are exploited.

“This is a dedicated unit staffed with officers trained and skilled to specifically deal with these type of offences - and I can reassure the people of Cumbria that the team is working tirelessly behind-the-scenes to keep children and other vulnerable people safe, as well as track down anyone exploiting them.

“I would urge anybody out there involved in this type of activity to stop it now and seek help. If you don’t, you should expect a knock at your door from my team”.

Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Peter McCall, said: “The cyber and digital crime unit have done a fantastic job.

“We were able to fund the cyber unit in 2019 with income raised from council tax precept.

“Since then the unit is making a significant difference to the lives of people in Cumbria.

“This is your council tax working for you to keep us all, especially our children and vulnerable people, safe from cyber criminals.

“With the world of technology constantly advancing, criminals are adapting to it – criminals are targeting vulnerable adults and children online which is why we need skilled officers tracking them online.

“It’s a clear message to criminals across the county operating behind closed doors: the police can still find and will catch you.”