A TWO-day police crackdown on child pornography and paedophiles in Cambridgeshire led to two warrants being executed and computers being seized, under section four of the Protection of Children Act.

Operation Tharsley - targeting the illegal possession of indecent images of children - was run by the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre with the help of the Serious and Organised Crimes Agency (SOCA).

The aim of the operation, led by Detective Inspector Chris Balmer, aimed to prevent harm to children and young people, protect potential victims and target offenders. Two men from Cambridge, aged 33 and 60, were arrested on suspicion of possessing indecent images and were bailed.

Insp Balmer said: “This work is part of our ongoing efforts to protect children and target paedophiles. We have seized a number of computers and media storage devices which will now be examined by specially trained officers.

“The continued growth of the internet creates a massive market for images of children being abused. My concern is that people feel safe viewing and storing these images on their computers at home. My message is that they are not, it can take some considerable time for intelligence collected outside of the UK to result in police officers in Cambridgeshire knocking on doors.

“If you are looking at these types of images, do not feel safe, we will come through your door. If not today then maybe over a year after you have viewed them.

“The viewing of indecent material fuels child abuse and must be considered as one of the most abhorent crimes to be committed. If you have concerns about anyone you know do not delay in contacting the police.”

Those concerned for someone they think may be involved in the early stages of abuse can get help and advice from `Stop it Now’. For more information visit www.stopitnow.org.uk.