“#LookCloser to spot signs of child exploitation”, urges Commissioner

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire has joined the call urging members of the public to #LookCloser and spot signs of child exploitation.

The #LookCloser campaign, organised by charity The Children’s Society and supported by British Transport Police and National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC), aims to raise awareness surrounding child exploitation including the different forms that child exploitation can take, the signs to look out for and how to report it.

Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire, John Dwyer, said:

“Child exploitation has no place in our society and raising awareness for the signs of this type of crime is so important. The tactics used by criminals can be hard to spot, so the #LookCloser campaign is crucial for educating people on what to look out for.

“A priority in my Police and Crime Plan is to protect vulnerable and at-risk people, including children and young people who can be some of the most vulnerable members of our society. I believe that by working together we can help to protect those who are most at-risk to this type of crime and bring those responsible to justice.”

Signs of child exploitation

Is a young person:

• Travelling alone, particularly in school hours, late at night or frequently?
• Looking lost or in unfamiliar surroundings?
• Anxious, frightened, angry or displaying other behaviours that make you worried about them?
• In possession of more than one phone?
• Carrying lots of cash?
• Potentially under the influence of drugs or alcohol?
• Being instructed or controlled by another individual?
• Accompanied by individuals who are older than them?
• Seen begging in a public space?

If you have any concerns, you can report it to the police on 101 or 999 in an emergency. Alternatively, you can contact the British Transport Police on 61016. You can also make an anonymous report through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

There is more information available about the #LookCloser campaign on the Children’s Society website: 

www.childrenssociety.org.uk