14 PEOPLE have been arrested in the West Mercia area on suspicion of sexual offences against children.
The arrests were made in just one week at homes across the area, including in Worcestershire, where suspects are alleged to have viewed indecent images of children or attempted to groom children online.
During the warrants, police officers also seized 27 devices.
The crackdown, which has been dubbed Operation Tuscon, was part of a National Crime Agency (NCA) intensification week.
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West Mercia Police said it has seen a 65 per cent increase in the number of child abuse referrals being made from 2024 to 2025.
“Our utmost focus is on protecting and safeguarding children,” said Detective Inspector Joanne Mayo-Evans, from the force’s Cyber Online Child Exploitation Team (OCSET).
“This week has brought to the forefront the unseen work we do every week, and many children are now safer as a result of it.
“We will relentlessly pursue those who cause harm to children and bring them to justice through the courts.
“We all have a part to play in keeping children safe, and we would encourage parents to have conversations with their children that may be difficult but are so important.
“We are committed to working with professionals and parents and there are a number of resources available.
“Together we can help to keep children safe, and the public can be reassured that the police are acting on intelligence and catching offenders.”
During the week, police also offered training to more than 100 people on the warning signs of exploitation, as well as sharing real scenarios and encouraging professionals and parents to intervene early.
“A key priority within my Safer Communities Plan is a focus on ensuring the people causing the most harm are identified and brought to justice,” said West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion.
“This action is just one part of the ongoing efforts by West Mercia Police to protect children and support victims.
“I will continue to play my part too with the Family Matters service, I commission, recently recognised nationally for its support to victims of child abuse and their families.
“But this is not job done. Child abuse is a societal issue that policing alone cannot tackle.
“It also relies on strong partnership working across education, health, social care and the voluntary sector.
“Together, we can ensure children are safe and feel safe in West Mercia.”
