THE Criminal investigation Department covering Conwy and Denbighshire has successfully applied for a Slavery and Trafficking Risk Order (STRO) in relation to an investigation involving the exploitation of children.

This Order is the first of its kind to be granted in Wales for offences where children have been exploited.

Police became aware of the respondent concerned when they were found in a hotel room with a young female. This resulted in an investigation that established that this individual was also believed to be involved in the supply of controlled drugs to young females in the area. We suspected these children were indeed victims of child sexual exploitation (CSE).

Detective Constable Stuart Goldsack said: “We welcome the granting of the order by the court. This is the first of its type involving children in Wales and underlines our commitment to making North Wales the safest place to live in the United Kingdom.”

He added: “Whilst our investigation into this individual continues, this order seeks to safeguard children against the activities of this individual and reassure the public that we will take robust action against those who engage in this type of activity. This is a difficult and complex investigation that has necessitated alternative safeguarding measures to ensure we continue to protect the most vulnerable members of our community – our children.”