It is very welcome news that children across Wiltshire will be settling back into school next week after what has been another extended period of uncertainty for them.

And whilst technology has been key in facilitating home learning on-and-off over the past year, we also know that digital connectivity means that now the usual safety of a bedroom can be open to more risks for children.

It’s an uncomfortable truth, but we know that children can be groomed and exploited online across the county, which can quickly escalate to forced criminality, such as drug running, or sexual exploitation.

And with children spending less time with teachers and club leaders, they’re more vulnerable than ever to falling victim to the sophisticated grooming techniques used by criminals.

As a parent myself, that’s a real concern.

That’s why, alongside our partners, we’re asking businesses in Swindon to sign-up for free training on how to spot the early warning signs of child exploitation and are confident to report their concerns to us so we can prevent any young person coming to harm.

We know that criminals use legitimate businesses in order to groom children and facilitate their criminality, and whilst Operation Makesafe training is initially being offered to businesses in Swindon, we will be rolling it out to other areas in the county later this year.

Businesses are the thriving hubs of our communities whether it be takeaways, local barbers or gyms and that is why we need their support to protect the areas they serve.

During lockdown is the perfect time for those businesses to check what protocols they have in place to safeguard children and I urge all business owners to sign themselves and their staff up to this great, free opportunity that will talk them through what to do, what to look out for and how to report their concerns.

The partnership work that has been put into this has been remarkable to see and the training, which is supported by The Children’s Society and Crimestoppers, is first class and I will have officers signing up to it as well as we all work to tackle this issue together.

The more people who know the signs of exploitation, the more likely they are report to us when something doesn’t feel right and the safer our children will be.