Arrests for child porn offences have doubled in the north-east over the past three years, new figures have revealed.
The statistics, obtained by the Press and Journal, show the number of arrests for taking, distributing and possession of indecent images doubled between 2014-16.
In 2014 there were 50 arrests made in the city, shire and Moray – this increased to 81 in 2015, and 100 the following year.
Last night, a national children’s society said there had been a significant rise in offences recorded across Scotland.
A spokesman for NSPCC Scotland said: “Behind every abuse image is a real child who has suffered appalling harm and could still be in danger today.
“We know this crime is on the rise. Research estimates that around half a million men in the UK may have viewed child sexual abuse images online, while in Scotland alone figures obtained by the NSPCC show the number of these offences recorded has soared from 375 in 2011-12 to 645 in 2015-16.
“Every single time images like these are viewed, the demand for them is increased – leading to more victims being abused.
“The war on online abuse images is only just beginning and the NSPCC is calling for technology companies to commit expertise and take action to prevent this sickening material being published.”
North-east Labour MSP Lewis Macdonald last night agreed that online providers should do more to stem the supply of indecent content and said: “It is important that the internet service providers take their responsibility in this field, they have a responsibility to ensure these materials are not available online.
“These figures also demonstrate that the service providers are failing in their duty and the consequence of that is this pornography is still widely available – there a message here for international law enforcement as well as within the Grampian area.
“I think these numbers demonstrate that at least there is an increase in detection which is key to these offences going on to prosecution.”
Police have said sexual offences continue to be a major priority for the force.
Detective Chief Inspector Colin Morrans, of the public protection unit, said: “Tackling sexual crime and the sexual abuse and exploitation of children is a key priority for Police Scotland and as a consequence we employ the latest technology to investigate online abuse and trace offenders.
“These advancements ensure we can more readily identify those involved and the message is simple – if you engage in activity of this nature, you will be caught. The internet does not offer anonymity. Every contact leaves a trace.
“I would encourage anyone who has or knows of anyone who may have been the victim of online child sexual abuse to report it to us. With our partner agencies, we will provide support to victims and will continue to work hard to ensure offenders are brought before the courts and made to face the consequences of their actions.”
