Keighley grooming case: Group vows to battle on against paedophiles (From Keighley News)

Keighley grooming case: Group vows to battle on against paedophiles

7:00am Thursday 7th March 2013 in News By Chris Tate, T&A Reporter

Child protection experts at Bradford Council have pledged to keep battling against predatory paedophiles who prowl the district’s streets.

Professor Nick Frost, chairman for the Bradford Safeguarding Children Board, said: “Bradford's proactive work to tackle child sexual abuse will continue. The sentences will send out a clear message that those committing these offences will be brought to justice.

“We will continue to work with West Yorkshire Police and other organisations to stamp out sexual exploitation of young girls and protect vulnerable young people from those who prey on them.

“We make sure staff pick up early warning signs and those working with children understand how to keep them safe from grooming and sexual abuse.

“We also need the support of parents, carers, schools and local communities to take responsibility for these vulnerable young people and inform the police, Crimestoppers or Bradford Council if they have any concerns for a person's safety, so that by working together we can challenge this dreadful crime.”

Councillor Ralph Berry, executive member for children’s and young people’s services, said: “These are very tough sentences. It has been a very effective operation. I congratulate the police and all the agencies involved and have a huge respect for the young women in this case and the people who have supported them. This has been a ground-breaking case.”

“It is an issue for everybody. It goes right into the heart of every community."