Police in the East midlands urge people to learn the signs of child exploitation
It's as statistics show last year nearly 7% of the referrals of suspected child victims were from the region
East Midlands locals are being urged to look out for signs of child exploitation as part of a weeklong campaign by The Children’s Society.
Exploitation can happen in plain sight while children are in shopping centres, takeaways, or on public transport. It can also happen when they're on their phones via social media or online gaming, so spotting signs of exploitation in everyday life can help keep a child safe.
The charity’s #LookCloser campaign encourages everyone to be vigilant of children’s behaviour and activity throughout their day and evenings – getting a takeaway, waiting for a taxi, or checking in to a hotel.
Lydia Patsalides, East Midlands Regional Manager at the charity Crimestoppers:
"The exploitation of young people, vulnerable people, of anybody, really takes many forms and there are many ways to spot it as well.
"It could be things such as new friends, using a new language or new terms and different words, perhaps they're coming home with new clothes or new phones, which they didn't necessarily have money for. Or perhaps their behaviour is actually also starting to change, so perhaps they're becoming a little bit more secretive, perhaps starting to flounce the rules a little bit. Missing school or going in late. All of this can also come with changes in personality, such as becoming a little bit angry, maybe seeming anxious, maybe seeming quite afraid of people. So all of these can culminate in somebody that's actually being groomed or exploited.
"I think any aspect of grooming or exploitation will cause some sort of trauma, some sort of upset, some sort of fear for that young person, something that they may have to work through.
"I think it's really important for young people to understand that when you're groomed and exploited, you are a victim and that you can get help.
"You won't necessarily be in trouble with the police. They will do what they can to help you. And so the police forces, Crime Stoppers, friends, peers are all there to help those young people."
Some common signs of child exploitation include:
· A young person travelling alone, particularly late at night or on a regular basis.
· A young person being instructed or controlled by another individual.
· A young person who seems anxious, worried, angry or is displaying other behaviours that make you worried about them.
· A young person carrying a lot of cash
· A young person talking about new friends they have met online.
As part of the campaign The Children’s Society has been working with regional police forces, councils, and local businesses to deliver training and guidance on how to prevent child exploitation.
Home Office statistics show that 367 children in the East Midlands were referred to the National Referral Mechanism as suspected victims of exploitation in 2024.
That's the total number of referrals where the responsible police force for investigating was Derbyshire Constabulary, Leicestershire Constabulary, Lincolnshire Police, Northamptonshire Police, or Nottinghamshire Police.
Many children and young people who are being exploited continue to fall through the gaps and remain unrecorded meaning the true extent of child exploitation in this country is not known and, tragically, many children and young people remain unsupported and have to face this horrifying reality alone.
A crucial element in preventing and disrupting child exploitation is to ensure children feel able to share their experiences. Young people may not report what is happening to them because of extreme and often brutal manipulation tactics from their exploiters, including undermining their trust in the adults around them. They may not see themselves as victims or may feel guilty or ashamed because of the criminal or sexual acts they have been forced or coerced into.
In order to better identify children experiencing exploitation and effectively support them, adults must invest time understanding young people’s lives and identity, and building trust, which is why the theme of this week’s campaign is ‘building positive relationships’.
Over the past year young people have told The Children's Society that they feel the public will often choose not to take action to protect them because they are seen as troublemakers rather than children at risk and in need of help and support. The adultification of children i.e. children being treated as adults, is also a significant factor in the public failing to intervene in exploitative situations, particularly when black and migrant children are involved. One child told the charity that “people don't care as much as they used to”.
James Simmonds-Read, National Programme Manager at The Children’s Society, said: “Young people are telling us that they feel judged by adults, and that their vulnerability is often overlooked or simply ignored.
“This generational gulf must be urgently addressed and trust restored between children and the communities they live in.
“Parents, teachers, police and the public must be better equipped to build strong relationships with children and young people, and we can start by looking at the way we communicate.
“If we truly want to support and protect children, we must make the most of the interactions we have with them.
"We need to demonstrate a willingness to learn about, and understand, their lives.”
It is vital people look beyond the obvious and report any concerns to the police on 999 if there is an immediate risk to a child, or 101 for less urgent situations. If on a train you can text British Transport Police on 61016. You can also remain anonymous by contacting Crimestoppers online or by calling 0800 555 111.
For online concerns, report these to the police first and foremost, but it is also important to report these to the platform or game they took place on.
To find out more about child exploitation and to find guidance about effective communication with children and young people, search #LookCloser or go to childrensSociety.org.uk/LookCloser.