Police crack down as paedophile arrests hit record high

LocalPolitics
11 Mar 2026 • 8:57 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • Police in England and Wales are arresting approximately 1,000 suspected paedophiles and safeguarding over 1,200 children each month.
  • The Lucy Faithfull Foundation (LFF) reported a 20 per cent increase in people accessing its Stop It Now helpline services, reaching 330,610 in 2025.
  • Assistant Chief Constable Becky Riggs highlighted that enforcement alone cannot keep pace with the issue, stressing the vital preventative role of services like Stop It Now.
  • Dr Alexandra Bailey from LFF noted that individuals viewing child abuse images defy stereotypes, with many being young, in relationships or having their own children.
  • The charity urges anyone concerned about their own or a loved one's online behaviour to seek early, confidential help to prevent harm to children.

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