Avon and Somerset Police boost efforts to raise awareness of child exploitation
The force are teaming up with local businesses to spot signs of grooming
Avon and Somerset Police are working with businesses and organisations in a bid to tackle child exploitation.
The force are ramping up efforts to raise awareness of the issue by speaking to taxi companies, hotels, restaurants, charities, schools and GP surgeries.
It follows a summer campaign in Castle Park, where officers spoke to members of the public and young people to offer the knowledge and support they may need to stay safe.
"There's a huge amount of partners and everyone wants to work together to make the city as safe as possible for young people," said Detective Chief Inspector Keith Smith.
"We want to really crack down and work hard to eradicate child sexual exploitation and child criminal exploitation."
Exploitation can start with a conversation, a cigarette, the sharing of alcohol or some ‘free’ drugs.
Perpetrators identify vulnerabilities and use them to their advantage – in the form of sexual abuse, trafficking, coercion, harassment or forced labour.
They may offer gifts, friendships or even ‘relationships’ to draw victims in.
"If your gut instinct is that something isn't right, it's about taking a moment to think about what that is and report it," added DCI Keith Smith.
"People don't realise that a little bit of information can have a huge impact and change the course of a young person's life."
Police are asking people to report suspicious behaviour to 999, 101, via email or through Crimestoppers.