Canadian Press

Child sex abuse targeted

VANCOUVER — The B.C. government announced plans on Saturday to crack down on the sexual exploitation of children.

Attorney-General Ujjal Dosanjh said his ministry will provide up to $75,000 for a computer program developed by two Vancouver police officers to track the movements of prostitutes' customers.

Mr. Dosanjh said his staff is also reviewing the laws that govern the sex trade, making it tougher for pimps and customers to operate.

And the government expects to have greater latitude to intervene where children are being exploited.

"This is obviously a very, very difficult issue," Mr. Dosanjh said. "I'm increasingly concerned about the growing problem of sexually exploited youth in B.C. and the fact that johns and pimps are targeting younger and younger children."

— CP