Table 1 Key information on cases in the sample
Name of operation | Investigative launch date | Police force | Key location(s) of investigation | Number of offenders (defendants) | Number of victims (complainants) | End date of prosecution |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Wheat | Feb 2008 | Greater Manchester | Rochdale; Manchester | 11 | 1 | Aug 2010 |
Central | Aug 2008 | South Yorkshire | Rotherham | 8 | 4 | Nov 2010 |
Retriever | Oct 2008 | Derbyshire | Derby | 11 | 25 | Jan 2011 |
Chalice | Aug 2009 | West Mercia | Telford | 10 | 6 | Dec 2012 |
Engage | Dec 2009 | Lancashire | Blackburn | 4 | 2 | Sep 2011 |
Span | Jul 2010 | Greater Manchester | Rochdale | 11 | 5 | May 2012 |