Public told to report concerns of child exploitation with urgency

Police in Wiltshire say it's vital we report concerns of children being exploited by criminal gangs to them as a matter of urgency, saying it can protect a young person from harm.

The Force's call is part of their "Spot the Signs" campaign, encouraging us to be aware of both the risk factors that could lead to exploitation and how we can recognise it happening.

Assistant Chief Constable, Liz Coles, said there is an understanding of the factors that can push or pull a child or young person towards organised crime gangs.

These include: Not having a safe and stable home, social isolation or other social difficulties, connections with people involved in gangs or crime, disability, mental health issues, alcohol or drug problems, being excluded from mainstream education.

She warned that gangs are also using social media as a tool in recruiting people: "We know that organised gangs are using things like Instagram, Snapchat, to recruit young people and those pull factors around financial, gain for young people."

Children coerced into gangs

Police say exploitation isn't a "choice" for young people as criminals use fear and manipulation to control them and get them to carry out their dirty work.

It can see them moving, storing or selling drugs, while some children are also exploited sexually, where a child can be given something, like food, gifts or money in return for performing sexual activities or having sexual activities performed on them. It can also involve violence, coercion and intimidation, with threats of physical harm or humiliation.

Detective Sergeant Emily Palframan said they're working hard to ensure local organisations are aware of the signs too.

"We will regularly go out and visit hotels, taxi firms, buses, train stations, provide a little bit of training and information, where to come, what to look out for and how to report it," she said.

Police strive to avoid criminalising exploited children

DS Palframan stressed officers do everything they can to avoid turning young people being exploited into criminals, insisting it's "the last thing we want to do".

The call for us to report concerns goes hand-in-hand with their aim to identify exploitation early on, before criminality begins.

She said: For example, if they've been delivering drugs and they've been located with drugs on them, the child may be arrested, but we will provide them with a sort of safe space to be able to explain what's been happening."

Officers are also urging young people themselves to share concerns, telling them to "trust their instincts".

Cadets Co-ordinator, Alison Cresswell, said: "It's always okay to ask those questions and it's always okay to raise any concerns with a trusted adult."

We can report concerns via 101. If a child we are concerned about is missing, we should dial 999.