Police asks entrepreneurs ‘how they can recognize the signs’

Merseyside Police have been working closely with Liverpool City Council and the Complex Safeguarding Teams

An investigation into child sexual exploitation highlighted concerns about efforts to tackle grooming gangs in England and Wales. Photo posed by model

Officers from Merseyside Police have raised awareness among local businesses on how to spot the signs of child exploitation. Posed in the photo by the model

Officers from Merseyside Police have been raising awareness among local businesses on how to spot the signs of child exploitation as part of the national Operation Makesafe initiative.

Child exploitation occurs when someone takes advantage of a child (under the age of 18) to commit crimes on his or her behalf. They may be forced to sell drugs, transport money or commit other crimes. In some forms of exploitation, young people can also be forced, manipulated or deceived into sexual activities.

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Many young people who are exploited do not see themselves as victims. Criminals can be clever in the way they approach children, giving them gifts such as new clothes, or even buying them alcohol or drugs in exchange for committing crimes.

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Over the past week officers, joined by colleagues from Lancashire and Cheshire Police, visited seven properties, including hotels, B&Bs and serviced apartments, to make trial purchases. They spoke to staff to highlight best practice and provide guidance to help staff recognise, respond to and report child exploitation concerns.

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Detective Constable Natalie Charlesworth from the Child Crime and Sexual Exploitation Team said: “The aim of this operation is to work with businesses within our communities to raise awareness of what child exploitation is and to provide advice on how to spot the signs and to prepare a report.

“We work closely with partners including Liverpool City Council and Complex Safeguarding Teams from each of the local authority areas across Merseyside to protect young people and prosecute criminals responsible for exploitation. I would encourage anyone who notices something that is not quite right to report it to the police. Your information may be crucial; it can help us protect a vulnerable child from further harm. Together we can make communities across Merseyside safer for young people, while making it a hostile place for those who want to exploit them.”

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

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A young person who carries a lot of cash
A young person with more than one telephone
A young person traveling alone during school hours
A young person who hangs out with people who look older than her
A young person with new things that they normally couldn’t afford
A young person who is often away from school or home
A young person accompanied by someone or a group who looks older than themselves, and who may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol
A young person who looks lost or is in an unfamiliar environment
A young person who travels alone, especially during school hours, late at night or often

If you suspect someone is in immediate danger, please call 999. Any non-urgent matter can be reported to 101 or online via our website www.merseyside.police.uk