Hertfordshire Constabulary announces 136 years of convictions for 'online predators'
Hertfordshire Constabulary revealed that its teams have secured 136 years worth of convictions in 12 months as part of a ‘child predator’ crackdown.
A specialist team of Hertfordshire detectives have been working on cases which will help keep children in the county safe.
Called Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Child Online Safeguarding Team (COST), it was named as the police force’s team of the year for 2025. COST investigates adults who exploit or target children through digital platforms.
Hertfordshire Constabulary adds that the team deals with some of the most complex and harrowing offences committed online.
Data from the force shows that COST handled 564 referrals, which resulted in search warrants and arrests. Many of the cases were passed to the team by the National Crime Agency, who identify abusers online and pass the details to individual forces to investigate.
In 2025, the team made 154 arrests for suspected incidents of rape, incest, distributing indecent images of children, and other offences.
Of the 564 referrals, 305 suspects were charged, a further 116 suspects remain on bail while investigations continue. Hertfordshire Constabulary revealed that the team is managing 555 live cases.
Detective Inspector Fay Tooley, who leads the unit, praised her detectives for their resilience and determination: “My detectives tackle some of the most distressing crimes imaginable, yet remain relentless in pursuing offenders. They execute warrants, make arrests and review disturbing material without hesitation.
“This is difficult work, but we are completely committed. It is also extremely rewarding when you catch someone who you know was planning to harm a child. Offenders think they can hide online behind fake identities or on the dark web, but my message to those who target children in this way is: we will find you.”
Alongside major investigations, the team also works on juvenile diversion cases—situations where young people have accessed illegal material online.
DI Tooley added: “It is important that parents monitor and control their child’s online activity. Although we try to avoid criminalising juvenile curiosity, severe or substantial viewing may result in a conviction.”
COST also partners with charities such as the Lucy Faithfull Foundation, which supports individuals concerned about their online behaviour, and organisations including the Internet Watch Foundation and NSPCC, which provide resources and advice for parents.