Plymouth Police launch two-week campaign to raise awareness of child exploitation

Devon & Cornwall Police in Plymouth have launched a two-week campaign to raise awareness of child exploitation. Child exploitation refers to the manipulation of a child (under 18) into committing crimes on behalf of someone else.

This may involve being forced into drug trafficking, money courier services or other criminal activities. Some forms of exploitation may also involve sexual abuse of the child.

Child exploitation can occur in a variety of settings, including hotels, pubs, the taxi industry and venues licensed to sell alcohol. The Makesafe campaign, which launched today, Monday 2 September, and runs until Sunday 15 September, aims to educate the public and local businesses on how to spot the signs of child exploitation.

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Police Constable Mike Smith, who is in charge of the Makesafe campaign in Plymouth, said: “This campaign is incredibly important. It is a way of educating the public about this form of exploitation, whilst also letting criminals know that we are actively working with our communities, partners and businesses to identify offenders and protect victims.”

They added: “Our officers continue to work closely with our partners, such as Plymouth Youth Justice Service, to protect young people and prosecute criminals responsible for exploitation. I would encourage anyone who notices anything that looks strange or doesn’t seem quite right to report it to the police.

“Your information could be vital; it could help us protect a vulnerable child from further harm or support our investigations into exploitation. Together we can ensure that Plymouth remains a safe place for young people, while preventing it from becoming a hostile place for those seeking to exploit children.”

Signs that a child may be a victim of exploitation include:

• A young person who carries a lot of money

• A young person with more than one phone

• A young person travelling alone during school hours

• A young person who hangs out with people who look older than himself

• A young person with new stuff that he/she normally cannot afford

• A young person who is often away from school or home

• A young person who is accompanied by someone or a group who looks older than him/her and may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol

• A young person who looks lost or is in unfamiliar surroundings

• A young person who travels alone, especially during school hours, late at night or often

To report concerns or suspicions of child abuse, report it online at the Devon & Cornwall Police website or call 101, quoting Makesafe. If you believe a child is in immediate danger, always call 999.