Child exploitation guidance for taxi and private vehicle hire drivers

Young people who run away from home are at increased risk of exploitation. Missing children may:

• seem unusually emotional

• have difficulty paying the full fare

• be trying to get to a station or airport

• be reluctant to discuss their destination

Additional safeguarding

Keep in mind the following:

• if you refuse to take a young person tell police, hospital staff, family or security staff why you cannot take them so that they’re given the necessary support

• keep a record of any refusals; dates, addresses, phone numbers and descriptions of customers etc.

• always get a specific address from passengers

Don’t hesitate. Information, however small it may seem, can help police build a bigger picture of what’s going on.