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Essex Safeguarding Children Board

Members of the public

Did you know…trains are often used by young people who may be vulnerable to exploitation? As children get older they may be more likely to travel by trains independently to get to school or college or to venture further afield. It's important to know the signs of exploitation - for example, if a child appears withdrawn or suddenly seems to have lots of money.

Members of the public who commute by train for work or for other purposes can play an important role in preventing exploitation.

Listen to the video below for more information.

Report concerns and access support

The Police - If you have concerns about child exploitation, you can report them online at www.essex.police.uk where you can also speak to an online Live Chat operator. Alternatively, you can ring 101.

Crimestoppers - You can report concerns anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or www.crimestoppers-uk.org

British Transport Police - If you have concerns about suspicious activity in the grounds of a train station, you can text British Transport Police (BTP) on 61016 or use the Railway Guardian app.

NSPCC - You can contact the NSPCC Helpline by calling 0808 800 5000 or emailing help@NSPCC.org.uk

Always ring 999 if it is an emergency or a crime in progress.

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

Additional resources

Lines by TIC Box Productions - Inspired by a true story, this show explores county lines, where young people are groomed to traffic drugs from cities to coastal towns and rural areas.

Look Closer Campaign - a joint initiative with The Children’s Society and British Transport Police encouraging members of the public to learn the signs of child exploitation and understand how to report it if worried. There are also downloadable resources.

Essex Violence and Vulnerability Unit Knife Harm Campaign - Local campaign to increase knowledge and understanding, including where to turn to for help.

How to become an Active Bystander (NWG) - Active bystanders make the difference at the earliest opportunity and prevent harm occurring.