Chicken shop trained to spot child exploitation

Staff at a new chicken shop have been briefed on ways they can help prevent child exploitation.

The Children's Society worked with employees at Chicken Cottage in Chapel Street, Luton, so they can spot the signs of grooming and take action.

According to the charity, predators can use the offer of food to gain a child's trust, so training hospitality businesses was "crucial in stamping out exploitation and supporting victims and survivors of this abuse".

Jeyakumar Veeramalai, Luton Chicken Cottage franchisee, said: "Our community matters deeply to us and I'm proud to be able to lead the way in demonstrating what local businesses can do to keep our children and young people safe."

The fast food chain was founded in London in 1994 and the new national partnership with The Children's Society will extend to stores across the country.

Shops will display information to signpost customers to resources from The Children's Society.

Rowan Glover-James, the head of corporate engagement for the charity, said: "It's terrific to be a part of the opening of the first chicken shop in Luton with staff fully briefed about child exploitation from day one."

According to the crime and justice specialist Crest Advisory, hundreds of thousands of children aged 11-17 in England are at risk of exploitation and serious violence.

She continued: "There is no silver bullet to stop this incredibly sad and damaging issue, but reaching children and young people where they are, such as in chicken shops, is one effective approach.

"We hope that this partnership can prevent many more instances of child exploitation across Luton as well as raising awareness and understanding of this horrific crime among locals."

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