Dorset Police news site

Dorset Police is urging people to speak out and spot the signs of child exploitation.

To mark National Child Exploitation Awareness Day, the Force is highlighting the role members of the community have to play in raising concerns to police so they can investigate and young people can be safeguarded.

Tackling both child sexual exploitation and child criminal exploitation, where young people are recruited by criminal gangs to carry out illegal activity on their behalf, remains a key priority for Dorset Police and it is working with local partners to tackle these issues.

The Force has developed advice and guidance, which will be rolled out to key sectors that can help to spot the signs of exploitation, such as hotels, taxi companies and licensed premises.

Officers also remain committed to investigating any reported offences linked to child exploitation and ensuring victims are fully supported and safeguarded.

There has been an increased use of various civil and criminal orders to help protect vulnerable young people from exploitation, such as Sexual Risk Orders, Sexual Harm Prevention Orders, Slavery and Trafficking Risk Orders and Child Abduction Warning Notices.

Detective Chief Inspector Andy Bell, of the BCP Safeguarding Hub, said: “We all have a part to play in protecting young people from child exploitation by reporting any concerns you have that someone is potentially being exploited.

“When we receive information, we are absolutely committed to ensuring we carry out a detailed investigation and work with our partners to ensure any young people involved are supported and safeguarded where appropriate.

“We are also determined to ensure any perpetrators are held to account for their offending and we will use all tools at our disposal to prevent them from targeting vulnerable people in the future.

“Businesses including hotels, taxi firms and licensed premises can play a key part in sharing information and intelligence around the potential exploitation of young people and that is why we have developed some targeted guidance for these premises, so they know what to look for.

“We will be rolling out information cards and advice leaflets to business in these sectors.”

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick said: “The perpetrators of these heinous crimes have no scruples, no conscience, no care toward those they target, exploit and harm and so it is vital that we do all we can to ensure we protect those who should be shielded from such behaviours - the young and vulnerable.”

“Protecting vulnerable people is a key part of policing, with early intervention and education crucial in tackling these terrible offences.”

“Alongside the vital work Dorset Police do to safeguard children and young people, I ensure support is given to valuable services which provide help for victims affected by child exploitation.”

“I would urge as many people as possible to familiarise yourself with the signs of child exploitation. We can all help to break down the taboos around these types of offences, make it easier for those effected to get the help they need and together protect the most vulnerable members of our communities from being exploited and harmed.”

For more information on the signs of child criminal exploitation visit www.dorset.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/caa/child-abuse/child-criminal-exploitation.

For signs to look out for in relation to child sexual exploitation visit www.dorset.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/caa/child-abuse/child-sexual-exploitation.

Anyone with information relating to suspected child exploitation can report it online via www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111. If a crime is in progress or a child is in danger, always dial 999.