Police conducted a week of action against child sexual exploitation (CSE), coinciding with National Child Exploitation Awareness Day (March 18). Officers partnered with Trading Standards to inspect vape shops in Canterbury for underage sales and educated staff on CSE signs.
In Margate, patrols focused on businesses and train stations, while county-wide hotel visits aimed to bolster staff vigilance against exploitation. The initiative included intelligence gathering and public engagement.
Detective Chief Inspector Sarah Stevenson said:
‘It is important for us all to acknowledge National Child Exploitation Awareness Day and increase awareness of the issues it raises.
‘Child exploitation is a challenging crime to investigate as they often don’t see themselves as victims and are vulnerable due to their age and because the offenders have groomed them into believing they are in a serious relationship.
‘We all have a part to play in safeguarding children from harm.’