People in Sefton are being urged to look out for the warning signs of child exploitation and modern slavery ahead of Anti-Slavery Day this Sunday. 

The warning comes after a new report from the UK’s Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner Eleanor Lyons and children's charity ECPAT UK found that more than 7,000 children were referred as possible victims of trafficking and modern slavery in the UK during 2025. That is a 17% increase compared with the previous year. The report also found that convictions linked to child trafficking cases fell sharply.  

Experts say child exploitation can happen in any community and often takes place behind closed doors, making it difficult to spot. Children can be targeted by criminal gangs, forced into carrying drugs or money, pressured into committing crimes, or subjected to sexual exploitation.  

While there are no figures showing how many cases may be taking place in Sefton, national experts warn that child trafficking and exploitation are affecting communities across the UK and that many victims may still be going unidentified. [ecpat.org.uk]

What to look out for

As Anti-Slavery Day approaches on Sunday, Sefton Council is encouraging residents to stay alert and speak up if they see something that does not seem right. 

Some possible warning signs include: 

• A child going missing regularly or staying away from home. 

• Sudden changes in behaviour or friendships. 

• Unexplained money, gifts or expensive items. 

• A young person appearing frightened, withdrawn or controlled by others. 

• Children travelling long distances or being found in places where they would not normally be. 

• Signs that a child may be being used to carry drugs, cash or other items. 

Cllr Liz Dowd, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Partnership Engagement, said:  

"Every child deserves to be safe, protected and free from exploitation, but sadly child trafficking and modern slavery are still happening across the UK. And we can’t be sure that communities like Sefton are immune from these crimes. 

"Children can be exploited in many different ways. They may be pressured into criminal activity, moved around by others against their wishes, or controlled through fear, threats or manipulation. Often the signs are not obvious, which is why it's important that we are all looking out for the warning signs. 

"It is Anti-Slavery Day on Sunday, but we're asking everyone in Sefton to be vigilant every day. By recognising the signs and reporting concerns, local people can play a vital role in helping to protect children from harm and exploitation. 

"If you are worried that a child may be at risk of exploitation, trafficking or modern slavery, please contact Sefton Council's Safeguarding Team on 0345 140 0845, Merseyside Police on 101 or the Modern Slavery and Exploitation Helpline on 08000 121 700. In an emergency, always call 999."