A CAMPAIGN to tackle online child sexual abuse has been launched by police.

The #StopItNow initiative is targeting people who groom children or involve them in sexual activity.

Latest figures show that nearly 1,600 crimes where an individual communicated with a child for sexual purposes were recorded by Police Scotland between April 2018 and February 2019 – up from 1,400 the previous year.

Police said the perpetrator was arrested and charged in almost 70% of cases in the past year and investigations remain live in many of the other reported crimes.

The #StopItNow campaign, which will appear on social media channels and outdoor adverts, features an emoji face cracking with messages such as ‘get ready to kiss your freedom goodbye’ and ‘how will it affect your family?’

Assistant Chief Constable (ACC) Gillian MacDonald, lead for crime and protection at Police Scotland, said: “Perpetrators of online child abuse are single minded, targeting children using messaging apps.

“This includes crimes of grooming children for sexual purposes, indecently communicating with children and causing children to participate in sexual activity.

“Offenders come from all walks of life, all age groups and are predominantly men. Their motivations vary.

“Some may not see children as victims, they may not see themselves as abusers. Most don’t believe they will get caught.

“As our figures show, the vast majority of those who engage with children for sexual purposes, who groom or attempt to groom will be caught. They will face the consequences of their actions. Their families will find out and they will face public exposure.”

Tony Stower, of the NSPCC children’s charity, said social media provides a gateway for sex abusers to target children, using false identities, deception and blackmail.

He added: “It is extremely positive that Police Scotland are focusing more resources into tackling this type of offending.”