Police call on taxi drivers and hotel staff to help catch child sex abusers

Police have called on taxi drivers and hotel staff to help catch child sex abusers.
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Police

Sussex Police will focus on raising awareness of Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) among the workers in a three-week social media campaign.

Detective Superintendent Jason Tingley, head of Public Protection for Sussex Police, said: “Taxi drivers and those who work in hotel and b&bs are able to spot predatory behaviour and vulnerability.

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“However small a piece of information might seem, it could be part of a much bigger picture and could prevent a child being exploited.

“In order for them to be able to help, it is important that people in both occupations are offered guidance and training to know what the warning signs of CSE are and how to report that information.

“As part of the campaign we will be sharing messaging encouraging taxi drivers and hotel and b&b staff to call 101 and quote Operation Kite with any concerns or information that could be CSE related.”

The drive was launched today (Monday April 11) and is the third phase of a CSE awareness campaign the force started in January.

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A police spokesman said evidence showed taxi drivers and hotel/b&b staff were in a ‘unique position’ to help spot the signs of CSE.

Paedophiles and sexual groomers often used taxis to transport children between hotels or b&bs where they meet, groom and abuse children.

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