Spot the signs of exploitation

Online commodities – receiving game currency and other gifts within games.
Children who are alone and look frightened and maybe have no tickets or money to pay the fare
Children/adults who look frightened in the company of other children or adults
Children travelling alone at night
Those who do not look comfortable with adults they are travelling with
Allows others to speak for them when addressed directly
Those under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Children in school uniform during the school day
Their physical appearance may show signs of injury, malnourishment and maybe unkempt
They might seem unfamiliar with the local area, or not have a local accent
They could be travelling during school hours or unusual hours (early in the morning, late at night)
Are they travelling the same route on a regular basis (once or twice a week)?
They could be receiving excessive texts or phone calls
Are they deliberately avoiding authority figures such as police officers or railway staff?
Some may be with older individuals who are purchasing tickets for them or giving them money for tickets.

Essex Safeguarding Children Board