Six children in the local area are as risk of child sexual exploitation (CSE), according to new figures released by the PSNI.

There has been a reduction in numbers of children at risk since last September, but there are still some youths who are risk of being targeted.

A PSNI spokesperson said: “Since September, 2021, there has been a reduction of eight children at risk of CSE in the Western Trust area, encompassing Enniskillen.

"This is as a result of the proactive investigations of the CSE team and multi-agency interventions with Health and Social Care [staff].

"However, CSE hasn’t stopped, with six children still currently known to the police as being at risk in this area.”

They continued: “National and local evidence shows that these numbers may just be the tip of the iceberg.

"CSE can be present in hotels, pubs and other places licensed to sell alcohol, and [the research shows] that taxis are used to transport young people, who are then exploited.

“Therefore, it is vital that training is provided to staff within these sectors to spot the signs and give them the confidence to report to the police if they feel something is not right.”

These figures come as the PSNI is set to continue its work in the local area on educating staff in hospitality sectors of the signs of CSE in different workplaces.

Today (Friday, April 8), local neighbourhood policing teams and the PSNI's dedicated CSE team will be out on the streets of Enniskillen speaking to local businesses and educating them on what to look out for that could indicate a child is at risk of CSE.

A PSNI spokesperson provided some examples that hospitality sector staff are being asked to look out for, including the following:

  • Adults befriending young people;
  • Adults who have been noted visiting with different young people;
  • Adults buying alcoholic drinks for someone expected to be under 18;
  • Picking young people up in a taxi and dropping them at a local hotel at odd times of the day/night;
  • Adult guests requesting a room that is isolated; and/or
  • Adult guests accessing pornography in a room where a child may be present.

Outlining the PSNI’s work, Detective Sergeant Joanne Jackson said: “CSE takes on many different forms, and it is everyone’s collective responsibility to help stop it.

"A common misconception is that it is just girls who are targeted, but boys can be exploited too.

“These children often don’t even realise they are at risk. The perpetrators of these crimes are incredibly manipulating – this is why it is so important to arm our hospitality sector with the knowledge of how to spot the signs and the confidence to report their suspicions to the police."

She added: “We have a dedicated team of officers who are trained to disrupt and bring [CSE] offenders to justice.

"Those who seek to sexually exploit children in Northern Ireland should be fearful of the consequences of their actions.”

For further information, see the section on the PSNI's website at https://tinyurl.com/2pvera79, which includes the briefing material being distributed to the hospitality sector.

If you are concerned about a child’s welfare, and think they may be being exploited, please report it to the police online, via 101, or call 999 in an emergency.

You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555 111, or via crimestoppers-uk.org.