Recognising the signs of child exploitation

TAXI drivers, hoteliers and licensed premises in Leicestershire are being asked to support the police and local authorities to recognise the signs of child sexual exploitation and help keep children and young people safe.

As part of the ongoing work to raise awareness of child sexual exploitation (CSE), those who work in these fields have been given bespoke training materials so they are aware of the indicators that could mean a child is at risk of being exploited.

The materials provide guidance about the signs to look out for and actions which must be taken if staff see anything which may indicate a child is at risk, along with a ‘safeguarding checklist’ of procedures to adhere to in order to fulfil safeguarding requirements in their area of business.

Detective Inspector Jenni Heggs, who leads the multi-agency CSE hub, said: “People who work in these industries are in a unique position to spot the signs of CSE and they have a duty to notice when all may not be right and to pass their concerns on to the police – potentially saving a child from this horrendous crime.

“Exploited children are often terrified and usually too scared to raise the alarm and ask for help. Taxi drivers, for example, need to notice when all may not be right with passengers in their vehicle, hotel reception staff need to look out for unusual bookings, and bar staff need to be alert to a number of indicators and raise the alarm if necessary.

“CSE is often hidden from view and going unnoticed. We need our licensed drivers and licensed premises, who are in a unique position to act as our eyes and ears, to spot activity or predatory behaviour that may be linked to child sexual exploitation and let us know so we can act quickly to safeguard victims and bring their abusers to justice.”

Police and Crime Commissioner, Lord Willy Bach, added: “We have a duty to ensure frontline service industries are armed with the right information and are supported by police and local authority professionals.”

If you have concerns about a child, call 101 for non-emergencies or 999 if you are concerned a child is in immediate danger.

If you wish to remain anonymous contact Crimestoppers 0800 555 111.