Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), Peter McCall, is supporting the Children’s Society ‘Look Closer’ campaign, in partnership with the National County Lines Co-ordination Centre and the British Transport Police, to raise awareness of child exploitation and abuse, with a particular focus on public spaces.

PCC Peter McCall comments: “Help us to protect children and young people from exploitation in Cumbria. If something you see doesn’t feel right, don’t wait, report it.

“Exploitation isn’t obvious. Young people are being manipulated, sexually abused, forced to launder money and deal drugs.

“The ‘Look Closer’ campaign highlights the importance of getting to know how to spot the signs of child exploitation and how to report it.

“Exploitation can happen anywhere, and any child can be exploited. Criminals often target specific public places such as fast-food outlets, shopping centres and parks or online through gaming platforms and social media.

“If you are on a train, you can text the British Transport Police on 61016 if something does feel or look right. Information on routes of travel, appearance and behaviour of a child can all help to protect young people.

“If you suspect exploitation may be happening, you can call the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000 and speak to a trained professional who can provide expert advice and support if you are concerned about a child. Or if you want to remain completely anonymous, you can contact Crimestoppers online or call 0800 555 111.

“Throughout the week, the Children’s Society are also promoting free online learning sessions, covering topics such as explaining the barriers of disclosure and learning how children are exposed to new areas of online and financial exploitation.

“Exploited young people don’t always look and act vulnerable. By raising awareness and learning more about the signs and how to report your concerns if worried, we can keep more children safe from abuse.”

Click #Look Closer  for more information on how to support the Children’s Society Look Closer campaign

Useful contacts for reporting

Call the police on 101 or 101 or contact www.cumbria.police.uk

In an emergency call the Police on 999

Text British Transport Police on 61016

Call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111

Call the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000