Private security officers in retail malls are among those aimed at in a Home Office advertising campaign about ‘county lines’ drugs suppliers. Gangs exploit children to courier money and drugs across the country. Children are targeted by such gangs in public places, such as shopping centres, and high streets.
Adverts (pictured) ask security officers to be aware of suspicious signs, such as a child alone on a high street or in a shopping centre at an unusual hour, whether during school hours or early in the morning or late at night. Are they obviously being approaching or intimidated by a peer, or a group? Do they seem unfamiliar with the local area, or do they have an unusual accent? Do they deliberately shy away from police or security staff? Are they with older individuals, who may be buying travel tickets for them, or giving them money for tickets. The Home Office says that if you spots signs of a vulnerable young person you should take steps at once in line with your company’s safeguarding policies.
Similar advertising posters are offered for bus, train and taxi company staff. You can download the promotional materials for your own site use at https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/county-lines-criminal-exploitation-of-children-and-vulnerable-adults.
