Police use transport in exploitation sting

WEEK of action . . . Damian Dallimore (Project Phoenix manager), Police & Crime Commissioner Tony Lloyd, Det Supt Joanne Rawlinson and DCI Steve May, from British Transport Police

PASSENGERS in Greater Manchester are being urged to keep an eye out for anyone who may be at risk of child sexual exploitation.

Greater Manchester Police have joined forces with other authorities to raise awareness of the issue, particularly among those on public transport, as they launched a week of action yesterday at Piccadilly Station in Manchester.

Action

Throughout the week, GMP will speak to commuters about the signs they can look out for on public transport.

The week of action is the latest from the "It's Not Okay" campaign and will see staff hosting a series of events throughout the week at transport hubs, schools and within the community to raise awareness.

In addition, transport staff will receive training so they can help remove exploitation from the streets and enforcement work will also take place with officers patrolling hotspots to deter and disrupt offenders.

Child exploitation is a form of child abuse and occurs when anyone under the age of 18 is persuaded, coerced or forced into sexual activity in exchange for gifts, money, drugs, alcohol, reward, affection or status.

Victims who have been groomed online often use public transport to travel and meet offenders.

Signs of exploitation may include a young person accompanying an older person who does not appear to be a relative or carer or a child who looks anxious, distressed or upset and anyone with concerns is urged to report them to police or alert transport staff.

Det Supt Joanne Rawlinson, from GMP, said: "We all have a role to play in tackling child sexual exploitation and as part of our week of action, we're appealing to the public to take a look around as they travel and report anything that doesn't look right or causes concern."

Greater Manchester mayor and Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Lloyd said: "Child sexual exploitation is everyone's responsibility. It's a huge, complex crime that the police can't tackle alone. That's why we're asking people who work and travel around Greater Manchester to learn the signs of sexual exploitation, look around, and report any concerns. Bus drivers, shop workers, taxi drivers ­- your eyes and ears could prevent serious harm to a child."