Child Sex Exploitation campaign expanded to hotels and taxi drivers

Hotels and taxi firms in Nantwich are being contacted by Cheshire Police as part of a campaign to target Child Sex Exploitation (CSE).

Police say they want to raise awareness among hotel staff and taxi drivers of the key signs and behaviours associated with victims of CSE.

Hotels across the county have been sent awareness packs containing material for use within each site.

This includes a poster aimed at cleaners and maintenance staff and another poster aimed at reception staff, as well as leaflets.

They contain key information on what staff should look out for in young people visiting a hotel.

Det Supt Nigel Wenham, from Cheshire Police′s Strategic Public Protection Unit, said: “This latest phase of the campaign is focusing on those who work at hotels across Cheshire.

“These are the sorts of people who may well come across victims or potential victims in their day-to-day work and it is vital they know what to look out for.

“The aim of the packs are to raise awareness of the issue and encourage people to familiarise themselves with the possible signs and general behaviour seen in young people who are being sexually exploited as well as understanding the importance of reporting any suspicious activity or concerns – no matter how small.

“We are urging all hotels across the county to support the campaign and to use this material wherever they can.”

Similar packs are also being distributed to registered taxi drivers by Cheshire East Council to reinforce the message.

And there will be adverts on buses and taxis on key routes highlighting the campaign.

CSE Bus poster

John Dwyer, Police & Crime Commissioner for Cheshire, said: “I take the matter of Child Sexual Exploitation very seriously and have made it a priority in my Police and Crime Plan.

“I recently called together leaders from all of the organisations who have a role to play in tackling Child Sexual Exploitation and will be holding the Constabulary to account for the progress they make.

“I am delighted to see this campaign being developed and have provided funds to make sure it happens.”

The campaign was first launched in November 2013 and aims to provide a greater understanding of Child Sexual Exploitation − and the issues surrounding it.

Information packs have been distributed to every secondary school in the county with key information and advice for teachers and those working with young people on the signs and behaviours associated with CSE.

The campaign is supported by a website www.knowandsee.co.uk packed with information and advice about the issue.

Det Supt Wenham added: “We all have a duty to protect those who are most vulnerable within our communities.

“Everyone involved continues to work hard to tackle the issue − to ensure the appropriate advice, support and safeguarding is in place for victims and potential victims.

“It is important to remember there is not one type of victim or offender − Child Sexual Exploitation can happen to anyone.

“The impact of this type of crime is devastating and it can have long lasting and significant effects on all those involved.”

Anyone with concerns about child sexual exploitation should contact Cheshire Police on 101.

Information can also be left anonymously, via Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.

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