A GROUP tasked with protecting the interests and wellbeing of "vulnerable" children said it will closely monitor claims that some youngsters are being exploited by criminal gangs.

It comes after a solicitor suggested it is a growing problem in the town that some young people are being deliberately targeted by "sophisticated criminals" to commit burglaries and steal high powered cars to order.

Mr Maloney was speaking at St Helens Youth Court in defence of his 17-year-old client who was sentenced to ten months in a young offenders institution in April for stealing a BMW and leading police on a high speed pursuit.

The car ended up embedded in the front wall of a house.

Mr Maloney told magistrates: "Young offenders in St Helens charged with burglary of houses and taking high-powered cars are not doing it for their own benefit.

“There are people in this town recruiting them to do the work for them.

“The offenders are often in the care system and have problems with self esteem and confidence.”

A council spokesman said: "Preventing the exploitation of children, in any form, is a priority for the St Helens Safeguarding Children Board. The board will be collating any evidence and developing the appropriate action to deal with any form of exploitation brought to its attention."

Merseyside Police were also approached for a response but said they did not want to comment.