CHILD sexual exploitation should be given a high priority by the town’s new police and crime commissioner.

Ahead of November’s police commissioner elections, children’s charity Barnardo’s is encouraging people to alert candidates to the hidden crime.

It wants them to pledge support to the charity’s Cut Them Free campaign, which is already backed by most local authorities. Barnardo’s has published a checklist for police services looking to better combat the problem, Once an elected commissioner is in post, Barnardo’s will seek to work with them to ensure the police service consistently identifies and supports victims who have been abused, protects young people at risk and facilitates the prosecution of abusers.

Barnardo’s has also released a new specially-commissioned animated film at www.barnardos.org.uk/ cutthemfreeappeal.

Heather Colbeck, director at Barnardo’s south west, said: “Children across the south west are being exploited for sex. This is a blight on our communities. We must all make this an absolute priority.

“Recent high-profile cases around the UK have highlighted the important role the police can play in uncovering this hidden crime and prosecuting abusers. The new police and crime commissioner will be central to making this happen.”

Two candidates have been declared for the Wiltshire police and crime commissioner post: Angus Macpherson for the Conservatives and Clare Moody for Labour.