Businesses at risk of disruption from Police investigations

A Shropshire IT expert has urged businesses to ensure they are not at risk of disruption from Police investigations after recent arrests in Shropshire and Telford and Wrekin.

The warning comes after six suspected Shropshire paedophiles were arrested as part of a national operation that has seen 660 people detained and questioned about sharing indecent images online.

Chris Pallett, of Telford-based Bespoke Computing Ltd, said it is essential for businesses where staff are working with computers to have systems in place that block the viewing of unsuitable sites or activity.

He said: “The recent operation coordinated by the National Crime Agency focused on paedophiles who are using the web. Often businesses have problems with staff wasting time on the web as in a busy office it is easy to take a look at social media, or do a spot of shopping, but if a member of staff is looking at a website showing indecent images the situation becomes much more serious.

“Not only would bosses be reducing the possible criminal activity by ensuring the sites are blocked but they would also be protecting themselves from the risk of disruption from police investigations. The computers of those arrested are likely to be seized by the police, at home and at work, and can be retained for a long period of time as part of investigations.

“The loss of all IT equipment for months on end can lead to the end of a business. All business owners should speak to an IT professional about their options.”

Three suspects from Shropshire and three from Telford & Wrekin were among 16 in total arrested in the West Mercia area, with four arrests in South Worcestershire, six in North Worcestershire and one in Herefordshire.

Widespread Police Activity

West Mercia Police currently has all 16 people on police bail as further investigation work is done.

The operation was coordinated at a regional level with Warwickshire Police and West Mercia Police, working closely with Staffordshire Police and West Midlands Police.

Across the West Midlands region, 74 people were arrested and 44 children were protected or safeguarded.