Police in Plymouth launch campaign to raise awareness of child exploitation
Devon & Cornwall Police in Plymouth have launched a two-week campaign in the city to raise awareness of child exploitation and how to report it.
The Op Makesafe campaign, which starts today, Monday 2 September and runs until Sunday 15 September 2024, aims to educate the public and local businesses about how to spot the signs of child exploitation.
Child exploitation is when someone takes advantage of a child (under 18 years old) to commit crimes for them. They can be forced into selling drugs, couriering money or committing other crimes. Some forms of exploitation can also involve children being used for sex.
Many young people who are being exploited do not see themselves as victims. Criminals can be clever in the way they approach children, giving them gifts such as new clothes, or even buying them alcohol or drugs in return for committing crimes.
Police Constable Mike Smith, responsible for running the Op Makesafe campaign in Plymouth, said: “This campaign is so important; it is a way of both educating the public on this form of exploitation, while sending a message to criminals that we are actively working together with our communities, partners and businesses to identify perpetrators and safeguard victims.”
Signs that a child may be a victim of exploitation are:
- A young person carrying lots of cash
- A young person with more than one phone
- A young person travelling alone during school hours
- A young person hanging out with people that look older than them
- A young person with new things they couldn’t normally afford
- A young person who is frequently away from school or home
- A young person who is accompanied by someone or a group who look older than them, and possibly under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- A young person looking lost or in unfamiliar surroundings
- A young person travelling alone, particularly in school hours, late at night, or frequently
Child exploitation can take place at hotels, pubs, in the taxi industry and places licensed to sell alcohol. For more information about the signs to spot in these environments, visit Op Makesafe on the Devon & Cornwall Police website.
“Our officers continue to work closely with our partners, such as Plymouth Youth Justice Service, to safeguard young people and pursue criminals responsible for exploitation”, PC Smith continued.
“I would like to encourage anyone who notices something that looks odd or doesn’t quite look right, to report it to the police. Your information can be vital; it may help us to protect a vulnerable child from further harm or support with our investigations into exploitation. Together, we can make sure Plymouth remains a safe space for young people, while making it a hostile place for people looking to exploit children.”
To report concerns or suspected child exploitation, report it online on the Devon & Cornwall Police website or call 101, quoting Op Makesafe. If you believe a child is in immediate danger, always call 999.
Special thanks to Plymouth Argyle Football Club, NCLCC, South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU) and Safer Plymouth who helped to make this campaign possible.
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