Spotting the signs of child exploitation

In this week’s newsletter I would like to address one of the most concerning issues linked to illegal drug crime and county lines – child exploitation. Last week I issued a plea for people in Dorset to join us in our fight against drugs by reporting the small things which could make the biggest difference. Dorset Police need this information not only to tackle drug dealers and crack county lines, but also to safeguard vulnerable people, including the young victims of exploitation.

When it comes to tackling the scourge of illegal drugs, I want to be clear; while enforcement is key, prevention and education, especially for young people, is vital. We also need to ensure the wider public is able to recognise the signs of child exploitation. As I said last week, your piece of information, no matter how insignificant you think it is, could the final piece of the puzzle which enables police and other agencies to act and intervene, and in turn safeguard those at risk.

Under the priority in my Police and Crime Plan to tackle violent crime and high harm, is an unwavering commitment to keeping children and young people safe. As we know, sometimes it is the youngest in our society who need the most help as they are often at highest risk of exploitation, coercion and victimisation - especially when it comes to county lines drug activity. My Police and Crime Plan pledge includes working with Dorset Police and key partners, including health and social services, to understand ‘what works’ and to commission services and educational inputs to help reduce the harm of illegal drugs and alcohol. I am completely dedicated to ensuring our young people feel they have a choice to turn away from illegal drugs and the temptations which are used to lure them into taking part in dangerous criminal activity.

Two of the services working in Dorset to help educate and prevent young people from becoming involved in offences, will be highlighted next week in a series of pieces shining a light on the impact of illegal drugs and county lines. These special features on the services I have commissioned and helped to fund in Dorset will detail the personal experiences of some victims who were once involved in drug crime and tell us about the work happening in Dorset to provide early intervention and education for our young people. Escapeline are a charity which helps young people to stay safe by educating them about how child exploitation and grooming happens and teaches them protective strategies. The charity, commissioned by my office, operates across the south west including in Dorset, and works with agencies and groups including local authorities and the police, as well as schools, parents, and pupils. We will hear more from their CEO next week about what parents, teachers and those who work with young people should be looking out for, and why society cannot turn a blind eye to this serious issue.

I have also provided funding for Boscombe-based community arts charity Vita Nova through my Fix The Future grant scheme. This vibrant organisation, which was established in 1999, works with people in recovery from addiction, using theatre and expressive arts not just to support wellbeing, but to educate and challenge the stereotypes of addiction. They are currently performing their latest play, The Wasps Nest, in schools and colleges to support the BCP Young Person Serious Violence Group. This powerful piece of work performed by people in recovery from addiction, follows the journey of a teenager who becomes embroiled in county lines and knife crime. Having seen their work, I know it accurately depicts how young people can get caught up in this miserable, destructive trade. I am pleased that thanks to their successful bid from my Fix The Future scheme, more young people are able to see the play as part of Vita Nova’s ongoing outreach programme.

These features focusing on these excellent organisations will also coincide with The Children’s Society’s #LookCloser week of action, which aims to shine a light on the signs of child exploitation and encourage reporting. As the charity rightly says, exploitation isn’t obvious, but it happens everywhere. It can be stopped but people need to recognise the signs. You can learn more about the campaign here and how to spot the signs below:

Spot the signs:

• A young person who is accompanied by individual(s) who are older than them
• A young person being instructed or controlled by another individual
• A young person travelling alone, particularly in school hours, late at night or frequently
• A young person looking lost, or they are in unfamiliar surroundings
• A young person displaying behaviours that make you worry about them, for example anxiety, anger or being frightened
• A young person being in possession of more than one mobile phone
• A young person carrying lots of cash, or appearing to live above their means and have the latest gadget or clothes
• A young person who is potentially under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• A young person seen begging in a public space.

I want to be clear, tackling the issues of drug crime and violence is not just about enforcement. We need to equip the younger generation with the knowledge and tools to ensure they have the confidence to say no and reach out for help from those they trust – whether that is a family member, trained professional or the police. Without this early intervention and education, all the work to robustly tackle the drugs gangs will only do so much. Through joint working, expert knowledge and the right type of education which works, we can all help to make Dorset the safest county and safeguard our young people.

David Sidwick

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner

Report your concerns:

• Call the police on 101 or 999 in an emergency. You can report your intelligence online
• If you are on a train, text British Transport Police on 61016
• Call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 and remain completely anonymous. You can also report online
• Call the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000 if you’re concerned about a child