Officers from Merseyside Police have been raising awareness with local businesses about how to spot the signs of child exploitation, as part of the national Operation Makesafe initiative. Child exploitation is when someone takes advantage of a child to commit crimes for them. They can be forced into selling drugs, couriering money or committing other crimes. Some forms of exploitation can also involve young people being coerced, manipulated or deceived into sexual activity.
They spoke to staff to highlight best practice and provide guidance to help staff to recognise, respond to and report concerns of child exploitation. Detective Sergeant Natalie Charlesworth, Child Criminal and Sexual Exploitation Team said: “The aim of this operation is to work with businesses within our communities to raise awareness of what child exploitation is and offer guidance on how to spot the signs and make a report.