The Metropolitan Police are reassessing around 9,000 grooming cases from the past 15 years. This decision follows findings from Baroness Casey’s report and recent National Audit on Group-based Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse.
Key Findings of the Reports
Published in June, Baroness Casey’s report highlighted a significant “mismatch” between how the Metropolitan Police and local authorities document child abuse cases. It pointed out that authorities often avoid addressing the ethnicity of those involved in these crimes.
Impact on Victims
Scotland Yard acknowledged that group-based offending is alarmingly insidious. It has a profound impact on the children affected, which necessitates urgent action from law enforcement.
Improvements in Investigation Practices
- Since 2022, the Metropolitan Police have made notable improvements to identify and investigate group-based offending.
- Training has been provided to 11,000 frontline officers.
- The child exploitation teams have been expanded significantly.
Statistics on Recent Successes
In the last year, the Metropolitan Police reported solving three times more cases of child sexual exploitation. This improvement led to 134 more suspects being charged, showcasing a dedicated effort to tackle these serious crimes.
Commitment to Victims
The Metropolitan Police have reiterated their commitment to safeguarding all victims of child exploitation. They are determined to bring those responsible for these heinous acts to justice.
