Doncaster Police raising awareness of child criminal exploitation
A day of action raising awareness of child criminal exploitation (CCE) and the work Police are doing to safeguard vulnerable children in our area saw neighbourhood officers engage with members of the public in Doncaster city centre.
Officers from the CCE team worked at a pop-up stall alongside police community support officers (PCSOs) and City of Doncaster Council to engage with the public and raise vital awareness about some of the tell-tale signs of exploitation.
One of the key aspects to raise awareness of was County Lines - a form of exploitation whereby criminals befriend vulnerable people, often children, and manipulate them into drug dealing.
The 'lines' aspect refers to mobile phones which are used to control a young person who is delivering drugs, often to smaller towns and villages.
Officers say they spoke to over 250 members of the community at the stall, which was based in Frenchgate Shopping Centre, telling them about CCE and how they can report any concerns to us.
They also worked with local retailers and businesses to put 35 'Look Closer' posters in the windows of shops and commercial premises in Doncaster city centre.
During the day of action, the team also located a missing child safe and well.