THE Chief Constable of West Yorkshire Police has met with community leaders to discuss a new approach to tackling sexual grooming offences.
Sir Norman Bettison met with Bradford Council of Mosques and Keighley Muslim Association as a direct response to the position taken recently by Bradford Imams.
They had welcomed the recent conviction of men in Rochdale for grooming offences and set out a clear commitment to prevent and tackle similar issues in this region.
“We all share the common aim of wanting to protect our children. I welcome the initiative taken by the Imam’s and I hope we will have a very frank and open debate about this appalling crime and agree a way forward,” said Sir Norman.
Sir Norman added: “Safeguarding vulnerable people is done by the whole community not just by the statutory agencies. This is a crime which cuts across all communities. The victims are often vulnerable young girls.
“It demands determined action by the police and other agencies and it is reassuring to know that we take that action with the full support of the community. I know the commitment and support is there to protect our children and demonstrate the universal abhorrence towards those who prey on the vulnerable.”
