Operation Stovewood is the single largest law enforcement investigation into non-familial child sexual exploitation and abuse in the UK.
Led by the National Crime Agency, our officers are investigating allegations of abuse in Rotherham between 1997 and 2013.
Stovewood began back in 2014 when the NCA was formally asked to lead an independent investigation by the Chief Constable of South Yorkshire Police. The request followed an independent review of the management of child sexual exploitation by agencies in South Yorkshire by Professor Alexis Jay.
We now have around 200 officers working on the investigation to deliver justice for the victims. Many of those officers are based at sites in South Yorkshire. To date, we have recorded 1367 crimes, arrested 209 individuals and nominated 1080 survivors. 20 people have been convicted of offences identified by Operation Stovewood and we expect that to rise. Those convicted have been handed prison sentences totalling around 250 years.
The full Terms of Reference for the investigation can be found here.
Our priorities:
Operation Stovewood is a unique and unprecedented investigation with hundreds of potential victims.
It is those victims who are the focus of the investigation, and our first priority is to provide them with the best possible support and advice, often through working with our partners.
Our second priority is seek to identify and bring offenders to justice, prioritising those who may still be active in Rotherham or elsewhere today and those who have caused most harm in the past.
Our third priority is to work with local partners and communities to rebuild public confidence in agencies. We know many victims feel let down by their experiences previously. We aim to do the best we can to rectify that.
How to contact us:
If you believe that you were a victim of child sexual abuse in Rotherham between 1997 and 2013 or have information that might assist our investigations you can email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or contact the NCA Control Centre on 0370 496 7622 quoting Operation Stovewood. All information will be treated in confidence.
Please note, the above email address is only monitored Monday to Friday during office hours. If the situation requires an immediate emergency response, if you or someone else is threatened or in danger call 999.
Join the team
To ensure that we continue to focus on the needs of victims and survivors and drive forward our enquiries as quickly as we can, we are currently looking for disclosure officers to join the team.
This investigation provides a unique opportunity for you to bring your skills and experience in support of such a high profile, serious and complex investigation.
For further information about these roles or other opportunities with Operation Stovewood please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Victims' Code
Code of Practice for victims of crime in England and Wales
12 Rights
All victims of crime in England and Wales have these rights
Victims of Crime
Victims of crime: Understanding your rights
Witness Charter
The Witness Charter: Standards of care for witnesses in the criminal justice system
