News

Child protection organisation Action on Child Exploitation is calling for anyone acting as Santa Claus in the lead up to Christmas to be vetted.

David Niven, chief executive of organisation, said most large stores would probably check out their Santas but smaller shops were less likely to look into the backgrounds of their seasonal employees. "At the very least employers should ask if they can get a police check."

Niven said that while it was unlikely for anyone to assault a child while pretending to be Santa Claus, paedophiles could use the opportunity to ingratiate themselves with children and begin a grooming process which could lead to abuse.