Shop staff urged to spot the signs of child exploitation

Officers have visited businesses throughout Derbyshire to speak to shop owners and staff about the signs of child exploitation, and encourage them to report it to us if something doesn’t seem right.

PC Frearson, who visited the shops with posters and information cards, explained: “We know one of the tactics criminal gangs use to exploit young people is through giving them large amounts of cash or buying expensive presents but these gifts always come with a catch.

“By educating shop staff, and urging them to report concerns to us, we can build information and intervene to support children who may not realise how vulnerable their situation can be.”

PC Frearson continued: “The signs might be young people buying expensive items with cash, an adult buying high value items for a young person, or someone who is receiving constant phone communication and who might appear defensive or frightened.

“These signs are easy to miss, but often you might have a gut feeling that something’s not right. This is when we need you to report it to us.”

You can contact the Derbyshire Constabulary Facebook page via messenger, or @DerPolContact on Twitter to report in a non-emergency.

If a crime is in progress, or there is an immediate risk of threat or harm, please call 999.

More information about County Lines, which is the name for gangs using children or vulnerable people to transport illegal drugs from one area to another, is on our website.

We’re also supporting the #LookCloser campaign from The Children’s Society, which asks us to look for the signs to protect children from abuse and exploitation.