THE number of child abductions and kidnappings in Bolton rose last year — as authorities hailed new powers to prevent grooming.

There were 13 recorded cases of child abduction in the town in 2014 — up from just two the previous year. There were only three abductions in 2012.

The increase has been described as a positive development by one Bolton charity, which said the figures demonstrate an increase in the number of reports from the public.

Cases in Bolton include children abducted by parents and non-parents, as well as one abduction of a young woman "for sex or marriage".

Another girl who had run away from home was abducted, while one child was held hostage with threats to kill and a second was falsely imprisoned.

Police added that five of the abduction cases last year were carried out by the same man, who has now been charged.

Dave Bagley, chief executive of Urban Outreach, said: "This increase is a good thing as it shows more confidence in reporting.

"These notices are a good tool but they can't be abused.

"If my child was with my neighbour, and I didn't like him, that would not be enough for a notice to be issued — there has to be a risk to the child.

"Bolton has taken seriously the risk of CSE and is working to prevent cases seen elsewhere ever happening."

Bolton Council and the police say the increased use of child abduction notices on people suspected of child sexual exploitation (CSE) has led to far more offenders being charged.

The notices are a warning to suspects.

If parents then report a suspect for a second time for being with their child, police can arrest them.

In 2013, specialist unit Phoenix Exit Bolton, based in Breightmet House, Bury Road, was launched by police and the council, as part of a crackdown on CSE.

Insp Simon Miskell said: "The exit team provides expert support to young people who may be at risk of child sexual exploitation.

"In addition we have closer working relationships with schools and the health service to identify those at risk at an early age.

"There has been a corresponding increase in the community feeling far more confident to report children safeguarding concerns to children's services and the police.

"Secondly with the growth in reporting, GMP have invested in other specialist teams who are proactive in focusing on our victims as well as offenders.

"The serving of child abduction notices on offenders who are suspected of child sexual exploitation has led to far more offenders charged with child abduction offences as the number issued increases."

There were 46 instances of child abduction recorded in Greater Manchester, with the Bolton figures accounting for more than a quarter of those.

Only 10 per cent of the 20 kidnappings in the region occurred in the town.

Parents and Abducted Children Together described the increases seen nationally as "alarming".

A council spokesman said the authority was committed to safeguarding children.

He added: “The team is now able to work with police to serve child abduction notices on adults who are suspected of grooming children or perpetrating CSE. If the adult breaches this notice, they can then be charged with child abduction. This has therefore led to a rise in the number of child abductions recorded by police.

"The exit team does everything it can to bring offenders to justice, and provide support and counselling to victims."