Record number of paedophiles arrested every month, police say
Police in England and Wales are arresting a record 1,000 suspected pedophiles every month, officials said.
Assistant Chief Constable Becky Riggs, who leads the national police’s child protection and abuse investigation, added that officers intervene to protect more than 1,200 children each month from mistreatment and abuse.
These figures come as the Lucy Faithfull Foundation (LFF), which runs the Stop It Now helpline to prevent individuals viewing child abuse images online, reported a significant increase in demand.
The charity saw 330,610 people access its services in 2025; This number represents an increase of nearly 20 percent from 275,648 in 2024.
Ms Riggs said: “Police across the UK are currently arresting around 1,000 potential child sex offenders and protecting more than 1,200 children every month, reflecting the scale of the threat we face.
“But enforcement alone cannot keep up with the rate at which people are drawn into harmful online behavior. We need a whole system response, and that includes ensuring people have safe, confidential places to seek help before they cross the line.”
“Services like Stop Now play an important preventative role by helping individuals understand their behavior early, stop the tension and ultimately reduce the number of children exposed to abuse.
“We urge anyone concerned about their own behavior or that of a loved one to seek help immediately. Early intervention protects children and prevents lives from being irreversibly damaged.”
LFF operates a confidential helpline for people concerned about their own or a loved one’s online sexual behavior.
LFF Psychology Department Head Dr. Alexandra Bailey said that, contrary to stereotypes, people who view child abuse images may be young, in a stable relationship or have a family.
Of the 3,427 people who contacted the helpline last year, 21% were under 25; More than a third, 34%, were married or in a relationship; and a quarter (26%) said they had children of their own.
Dr Bailey said: “Every day we hear from people who are frightened of the direction their online behavior is taking but are unsure if they are ‘the kind of person’ who needs help.
“This hesitancy could mean problems escalate further where early confidential support could make a real difference.
“To prevent online child sexual exploitation, people need to understand that behavior can escalate to the point of harm, but change is also possible.
“Reaching out early is not about excusing harmful behavior; it’s about stopping abuse before a child is harmed.”
The Stop Now helpline is on 0808 1000 900 or online.
