Wiltshire Police taking out ads on Spotify to tackle child exploitation
They've also got billboards as part of their campaign
Wiltshire Police are using new tactics to raise awareness of child exploitation in the county - as we're urged to 'spot the signs'.
The force is using targeted messaging on TikTok and Snapchat, as well as taking out ads on Spotify and billboards.
It's the latest phase in a campaign to make people more aware of what they should be looking out for, if they suspect a young person might be involved in criminality.
Child criminal exploitation is where adults or older children groom young people, providing them with cash and/or gifts and a sense of being part of a group.
The young person is then manipulated and pressured into doing things like stealing or carrying drugs or weapons in return.
What to look out for
• Unexplained money or gifts, such as new trainers, clothing or phones
• Significant decline in school attendance and/or performance
• Changes in mood and behaviour, such as becoming more surly, aggressive or angry
• Increasing amounts of time spent on social media, particularly talking to ‘friends’ they haven’t met or you don’t know
• Relationships with older people
• Possession of a second mobile phone from which they are receiving a high volume of calls or need to leave urgently after receiving a text/call
Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson said: “Many parents may think that their child is not at risk of criminal exploitation, but the data tells us that it can happen to any child, from any background and that children as young as 11 are being targeted.
“It’s so important that parents and carers know how to spot the signs of child criminal exploitation and do not shy away from having these conversations with their children.
“This phase of the campaign targets young people directly, through social channels we know they’re most likely to engage with in addition to billboards placed in high footfall areas.
“Criminals preying on young children, taking advantage of their innocence for their own benefit whilst putting them in very dangerous situations is an abomination and it’s so important that we educate young people so they know what to look for and keep themselves and their friends safe.
“This type of crime has a devastating impact on the young people involved, their families and the wider community and what we then see is that trauma being carried forward and becoming a precursor to further offences in our communities.
“The police cannot tackle this issue alone, and my office will continue working with the police, partners and the right organisations including young people themselves to ensure this type of crime is being recognised, reported and that those directly affected are protected.”
Chief Superintendent Doug Downing, head of Local Policing, said:
“This campaign is vital in reaching young people and educating them on the signs that a young person is being manipulated or coerced into committing crimes.
“We know that in child criminal exploitation, young people are groomed into carrying out illegal activity on behalf of criminals – such as selling and storing drugs, carrying weapons and/or committing burglary, robbery or theft.
“Those exploiting children might give the young person the impression that they really care about them, perhaps by buying them gifts, or giving them cash, promising a better life for them.
“The reality is that they are asking a child to do things they know are wrong, dangerous or uncomfortable for their own gain.
“This campaign is about raising awareness of those initial signs, recognising when someone you know is being groomed or exploited, and then reporting those signs to trusted adults.”