GMP says it 'could have done more to support the victims of child sexual exploitation in Rochdale'

GMP Chief Constable, Sir Peter Fahy

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has recognised "it could have done more to support the victims of child sexual exploitation in Rochdale".

Chief Constable Sir Peter Fahy said the force was under "significant scrutiny" from police standards watchdogs for its responses to crimes such as burglary.

Since those targets were removed in 2012, officers have been "encouraged" to support sexual exploitation victims.

Sir Peter's comments were released in a statement after an ITV investigation claimed GMP failed to investigate allegations of abuse by child grooming gangs over a 10-year period.

ITV News has spoken to several officers who have worked on or close to these investigations who have said that they're gravely concerned that these crimes still aren’t being properly investigated. ITV News says it has heard that Greater Manchester Police have files of names and evidence but they are simply not doing enough with that information.

In the statement, Sir Peter said: "There had already been major investigations of sexual abuse of vulnerable children at children's homes in Rochdale, but it is now clear that our response should have been better. The response in Rochdale has been subject to external investigation and review.

"Since 2010 we have moved considerable resources into child protection and the investigation of sexual exploitation. We have learned from what happened and these improvements have been recognised as good practice to protect vulnerable young people at risk from CSE.

"Considerable resources are now invested in a number of ongoing investigations and we have already made clear that further arrests will be made. There have already been a number of major investigations across Greater Manchester relating to sexual abuse of children, including historic cases, which have led to convictions. These are complex and challenging investigations and we are committed to bringing offenders to justice.

"About five years ago GMP was under significant scrutiny from Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and the Home Office Standards Unit for its response to acquisitive crimes such as burglary and car crime. As a result, the force was required to focus on improving its performance in relation to those offences.

"As has been identified nationally, the imposition of targets to drive performance inevitably leads to anomalies in behaviour. Two years ago, with the support of the Police and Crime Commissioner, GMP removed these targets and has been encouraging officers to do what is right for victims."

Rochdale MP Simon Danczuk said: "I have repeatedly pressed Sir Peter Fahy to do more to tackle child abuse in Greater Manchester, as I have seen how its destroying lives in my constituency of Rochdale. Despite the public's anger at these crimes I do not think Sir Peter has properly got to grips with grooming gangs and his comments today will come as a further kick in the teeth to victims of rape who want to see the perpetrators of these evil crimes put behind bars.

"For the Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police to say it's misleading the public to think the police can solve this problem is completely the wrong message to be sending out. There is only one agency that can put rapists behind bars and that's the police. Other police officers have told me that Sir Peter does not see this crime as a priority and I think his views on child abuse are dangerously out of step with public opinion."