Peril of the 125 lone kids found at New St
TRANSPORT police are dealing with at least six cases a month involving lone vulnerable young children found at Birmingham New Street – and at risk of sexual exploitation.
British Transport Police (BTP) said they had dealt with 125 cases at the station since January 2015, with the average age of the child being just 15.
Fifty-eight cases involved missing children who had travelled an average of 40 miles to reach Birmingham’s busiest transport hub.
The force is launching a child sexual exploitation (CSE) awareness campaign next week and is urging all rail passengers “to look up from their papers, phones and tablets” to see if there’s a child who might be in desperate need of help.
The week of action will also see extra patrols at the station to identify children at risk.
Officers will be joined on the patrols by the Streetwise team from The Children’s Society, who will offer support to any young people encountered throughout the week.
The National Crime Agency will also be on hand to provide live-time intelligence checks and support.
The action comes as BTP, along with West Midlands Police in the Safer Travel Partnership, visit schools across the region to urge pupils to speak to an adult if they suspect a friend is being sexually exploited.
The force said most of the youngsters are found between Saturday evening and Monday night as it’s thought they could be trying to avoid returning to care homes or school.
Insp Dave Rams said: “Young people often gravitate towards train stations because they are busy, anonymous places which help them escape their current situation or meet someone they shouldn’t.
“While there is no information to suggest abuse or exploitation is taking place specifically at New Street, children do come to our attention at the station and this can be a sign something is going on elsewhere.
“As the new term gets underway, and it becomes easier to spot children who should be at school or who are out late at night, we are asking passengers and staff to be aware of young people who might need help.
“They may be travelling on their own, appear upset or with someone older than them who does not appear to be a relative.
“We all have a responsibility to
I would encourage people to be on the lookout for young people who might need help
protect vulnerable children in our community and I would encourage people to be on the lookout for young people who might need help and report any concerns they may have so we can make sure they don’t come to any harm.”
Kerry Boffin, Streetwise Birmingham’s missing service manager from The Children’s Society, said: “The Children’s Society Streetwise team works across Birmingham to complete independent return home interviews with children and young people who are reported missing.
“We know from the work we do with young people, that New Street Station is a location that many young people visit whilst missing. Our aim during the week will be to complete livetime return interviews with young people as they are identified and provide information to professionals that will safeguard and protect.”
If you have any concerns about a child on the rail network, you can text BTP discreetly on 61016.
Insp Dave Rams