[Osem]

We all know that people of all races and religions are capable of all sorts of crimes and that circumstances, opportunity etc. play a big part in that. The point here is that a very high proportion of those involved in this type of crime come from a certain community and it seems to me to be reasonable to try to establish the extent to which cultural differences, prejudices etc. have played a role in this. If they have played a significant role then we at least have a chance to do something about changing attitudes/behaviour rather than simply reacting to events. This is what operation Trident is all about isn't it? Initially it focussed on trying to get to the bottom of black on black gang crime to understand the mindset of those involved and try to stop it happening. Now it's been accepted that this form of activity has extended into and between other communities, the remit of Trident has been broadened to take this into account. This, I believe, is what should happen in the case of gang based abuse and exploitation and only when the problem is acknowledged and understood will we be able to do something about it.