Santa Clauses need vetting says charity

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.