A ‘HORRIFIC hidden crime’ will be under the spotlight at Rugby Train Station on Friday (February 24) when police officers raise awareness of grooming and child sexual exploitation (CSE).
Officers from the Warwickshire multi-agency CSE team will be encouraging commuters and youngsters to look out for the early warning signs.
It is part of Warwickshire’s Something’s Not Right campaign, which is joining forces with West Midlands’ See me, Hear me and Stoke and Staffordshire’s Know About CSE campaigns to encourage local authorities, the voluntary sector and police to work together to spread the message.
There will also be posters in bus and train stations, Metro tram stops and on buses around the region.
And a digital media campaign will use a mix of animations and banners to will target young people and parents through the digital platforms they use.
Detective Inspector Nigel Jones from Warwickshire Police said everyone has a role to play in tacking CSE.
He said: “We want everyone to be aware of the signs of CSE.
“During this week of action we are raising awareness among those using public transport so they can be our eyes and ears as they move around Warwickshire and beyond.
“I hope passengers, young and old, will take the time to find out more about the signs to look out for and how to report concerns and play their part in helping to keep young people in the region safe.
“There will be information available on the signs to look out for to help people identify concerns, along with advice on how to get help.”
Detective Inspector Kay Wallace, West Midlands Regional CSE coordinator, added: “If something looks out of place then please share concerns and contact the police or alert a member of transport staff so we can help protect young people from harm and show offenders they cannot hide in our community.”
CSE involves perpetrators grooming their victims in various ways, such as in person, via mobiles or online, to gain their trust before emotionally and sexually abusing them.
It can take place in many forms, whether through a seemingly consensual relationship, or a young person being forced to have sex in return for some kind of payment, such as drugs, money, gifts or even protection and affection.
Signs can include a young person with an older person who doesn’t appear to be a relative or carer, a younger person looking anxious, distressed or upset and truancy from school.
The information day takes place at Rugby Train Station from 11am-6pm on Friday (February 24).
Visit www.somethingsnotright.org for more information.
Anyone who is concerned about the safety of a young person should call Warwickshire Police on 101, speak in confidence to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or in an emergency call 999.
