A NEW campaign will help people across the borough spot signs that could indicate a child is being sexually exploited.

The See Me, Hear Me campaign will be plugged on radio stations and featured on buses travelling across the West Midlands for the next nine weeks.

It follows claims that children and teenagers were being targeted on their way home from school in Halesowen town centre streets and around the the bus station for sexual exploitation.

People will be directed to the website www.seeme-hearme.org.uk, where they will find a wealth of information to help protect children and young people.

The website urges people to look out for a number of warning signs that could suggest something is wrong, including having older friends, persistently going missing, secretive relationships with unknown adults, truancy from school and the possession of money or new things.

Councillor Tim Crumpton, Dudley Council’s cabinet member for children’s services, said: “The abusers who commit this crime prey on vulnerable young people and we should do all we can to stop them. Preventing child sexual exploitation should be everyone’s responsibility.

“By being vigilant and knowing the warning signs to look out for, we can all help to tackle this abuse and keep our children safe."

Stephen Rimmer, West Midlands lead for tackling child sexual exploitation, said: “Sexual exploitation of children and young people thrives on ignorance, manipulation and vulnerability.

“No-one in the West Midlands should suffer this crime and the bullies, abusers and perpetrators need to be held to account.”

Anyone who is concerned about the safety of a child should call West Midlands Police on 101, speak in confidence to Barnardo’s on 0121 359 5333 or call 999 in an emergency.