Current timestamp: 27/01/2023 15:39:11
AgeAlertAnonymousAppealsApplicationsApply Or RegisterArea OutlineArrow DownArrow LeftArrow RightArrow UpAutomatic DoorsBack ArrowBusinessCalendarCashArrow DownArrow LeftArrow RightArrow Down[Missing text '/SvgIcons/Symbols/Titles/icon-chrome' for 'English (United Kingdom)']ClockCloseContactDirectionsDocumentDownloadDrawDrugExpandExternal LinkFacebookFb CommentFb LikeFiletype DefaultFiletype DocFiletype PdfFiletype PptFiletype XlsFinance[Missing text '/SvgIcons/Symbols/Titles/icon-firefox' for 'English (United Kingdom)']First AidFlickrFraudGive FeedbackGlobeGuide DogHealthHearing ImpairedInduction LoopInfoInstagramIntercom[Missing text '/SvgIcons/Symbols/Titles/icon-internet-explorer' for 'English (United Kingdom)']LaptopLiftLinkedinLocal ActivityLoudspeakerLow CounterMailMapMap PinMembershipMenuMenu 2[Missing text '/SvgIcons/Symbols/Titles/icon-microsoft-edge' for 'English (United Kingdom)']Missing PeopleMobility ImpairmentNationalityNorth PointerOne Mile RadiusOverviewPagesPaper PlaneParkingPdfPhonePinterestPlayPushchairRefreshReportRequestRestart[Missing text '/SvgIcons/Symbols/Titles/icon-rotate-clockwise' for 'English (United Kingdom)']Rss[Missing text '/SvgIcons/Symbols/Titles/icon-safari' for 'English (United Kingdom)']SearchShareSign LanguageSnapchatStart AgainStatsStats And Prevention AdviceStopSubscribeTargetTattosTell Us AboutTickTumblrTwenty Four HoursTwitterTwitter LikeTwitter ReplyTwitter RetweetUploadVisually ImpairedWhatsappWheelchairWheelchair AssistedWheelchair ParkingWheelchair RampWheelchair WcYoutubeZoom InZoom Out

Quickly exit this site by pressing the Escape key Leave this site

Skip to main content

Skip to main navigation

Welcome

This site is a beta, which means it's a work in progress and we'll be adding more to it over the next few weeks. Your feedback helps us make things better, so please let us know what you think.

Show me the site

cheshire-header-logo ( 1)

Search this website

Main navigation menu

  • Report

    Back to Report

    • Crime
    • Domestic abuse
    • Rape, sexual assault and other sexual offences
    • Road traffic incident
    • Report antisocial behaviour
    • Missing person
    • Fraud, bribery or corruption
    • Civil disputes
    • Lost or found property
    • Lost or stolen vehicles
  • Tell us about

    Back to Tell us about

    • Tell us about possible terrorist activity
    • How to tell us about something you've seen or heard
    • An existing case or report
    • A procession or event you are planning
    • Filming
    • Abnormal vehicle load
  • Apply or register

    Back to Apply or register

    • Careers
    • Charity collection licences
    • Compensation for victims of crime
    • Firearm, shotgun or explosives certificate
    • Attend a misconduct hearing
  • Request

    Back to Request

    • A collision report
    • Intellectual property (IP) licence
    • Your fingerprints
    • Information: about the police, about yourself or someone else
  • Thanks and complaints

    Back to Thanks and complaints

    • Complaints
    • Say thanks
    • Feedback about the website
  • Your area

Breadcrumb

  1. ...
  2. News

An operation aimed at protecting and defending young and vulnerable children has taken place across Cheshire

Main article content

Navigation

News

16:38 27/05/2022

Operation Guardians targeted and deterred predators, educated youngsters on signs of exploitation and staying safe online as well as provided reassurance and encouragement to report criminal behaviour.

It saw the Constabulary’s online child abuse investigation team conduct an online undercover operation – working alongside the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit and National Crime Agency – and using the force’s new digital mobile forensics van to instantly check offenders’ devices.

Other activity included officers proactively visiting vulnerable children who repeatedly go missing to better understand underlying issues and triggers in order to prevent further occurrences.

Other activity included officers proactively visiting vulnerable children who repeatedly go missing to better understand underlying issues and triggers in order to prevent further occurrences.

At care homes across the county, police spoke to staff to increase their knowledge and to set expectations on what is required and expected if a child were to go missing in future.

The dedicated operation occurred over a three-day period from Wednesday 25 May to Friday 27 May.

Detective Chief Superintendent Gareth Lee, Cheshire Constabulary’s Head of Public Protection and Criminal Justice, said: “Children are often the most vulnerable and innocent in our communities. No matter their age or background, they need our protection.

“It is the responsibility of every one of us – whether police or member of the public – to protect them from coming to harm, whether that’s from individuals who seek to exploit or cause serious harm, to looking closer at situations that display signs or behaviours that question whether something isn’t quite right.

“As members of the public and concerned members of our communities, we need you to report it so that officers and agencies take appropriate action that can ultimately lead to them being safe.

“Operation Guardians is putting a spotlight on what our officers are doing every day. It is a huge but important and essential challenge and one we will continue to do until we know children and young people in Cheshire are protected and safeguarded.”

John Dwyer, Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire said: “A key priority in my Police and Crime Plan is to protect vulnerable and at-risk people, and children who are targeted by online predators are among the most vulnerable in our society.

“That’s why I was keen to ensure that our Online Child Abuse Investigation Team received more funding and it has more than quadrupled in size as a result.

“This means we’re able to better protect vulnerable young people through Operation Guardians and my thanks to go to all the officers involved in this crucial work. We all have a part to play in keeping our children safe and it’s vital that people know the signs to look out for.”

The following is a summary of the activity from across Cheshire, which has been undertaken by a total of 164 officers and staff of not only Cheshire Constabulary but colleagues in the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit and the National Crime Agency:

  • 5 Registered Sex Offenders were arrested for outstanding offences and are now in the hands of our specialist units and local courts.
  • 6 Units, accompanied by colleagues from our Digital Forensics Unit, conducted nine warrants resulting in 10 arrests and investigations relating to online offences.
  • A total of 61 Registered Sex Offenders were visited and any internet-enabled devices were examined – apart from one individual, all devices checked were in order.

The operation was not just to take positive action against those who offend but also to support and offer guidance to those who at risk of exploitation and vulnerable. This has seen:

  • Officers in plain clothes patrolling near schools in Cheshire – 40 separate patrols in total – ensuring pupils are able to attend school without being at risk of harm.
  • Several areas of truancy, anti-social behaviour and reported drug use across Cheshire were patrolled and will continue to be targeted by local officers (82 locations).
  • Around 40 children visited who have frequently been reported as ‘Missing from Home’ – officers have spent valuable time with them to understand the risk they are exposed and how we can work to improve their safeguarding and prevent further occurrences.
  • Around 50 youth offenders visited and engaged with ensuring that the level of support is adequate, proportionate and beneficial to prevent future offending.

Anyone who has information relating to child abuse and exploitation or has concerns can call Cheshire Constabulary on 101 or report online via our website.

Information can also be provided anonymously by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Share

Is there a problem with this page?

Footer navigation

We use cookies on this site to give you a better, more personalised experience.

I'm fine with cookies I'd like to manage the cookies

Cheshire Constabulary

  • Contact us
  • Find a police station
  • About us
  • Careers
  • Campaigns
  • News
  • Privacy notice
  • Cookies
  • Terms and conditions
  • Accessibility

Information and services

  • Advice and information
  • Crime prevention
  • Stats and data
  • Accessing information (FOI)
  • Report
  • Tell us about
  • Apply or register
  • Request
  • Thanks and complaints

Partners

  • Police.uk
  • Ask the Police
  • Police and Crime Commissioner

Follow us on:

© Copyright 2023. All rights reserved.