Officers were on patrol in Barry at the weekend as part of a campaign to raise awareness of child sexual exploitation.

Since Operation Brake was launched in April, officers have been out in town centres in Bridgend and the Vale of Glamorgan to educate those who work in the night time economy on the signs of child sexual exploitation (CSE).

Child sexual exploitation can happen to any child under the age of 18 making them vulnerable within the night time economy.

The operation involves partnership working between South Wales Police's licensing and child sexual exploitation teams along with local authorities' licensing enforcement teams.

On Saturday, August 17, community safety partnership officers visited a number of licensed premises in Barry and spoke to taxi drivers in Broad Street and High Street.

Posters highlighting how to identify the risks of CSE were distributed along with Ask Angela campaign posters.

The Ask Angela scheme enables people who are feeling unsafe while on a date or night out to discreetly ask for help by using a code-word.

It works by encouraging people to ask venue staff for 'Angela' if they feel uncomfortable and workers will call a taxi or help them leave discreetly.

Detective Chief Inspector Phil Sparrow said: "This operation is about working with our partners and licensed premises in our communities to educate staff on the signs of child sexual exploitation and how they can help to prevent it.

''We are committed to tackling all forms of child abuse and would urge anyone who suspects a child may be at risk to report it to us so we can act.

"You can do so by calling us on 101 or if you suspect a child is in immediate danger you should call 999."

What is child sexual exploitation (CSE)?

• CSE is any form of sexual activity with a child
• It can happen to any child up to the age of 18
• It involves some sort of exchange i.e. alcohol, drugs, affections and gifts.

• An adult behaving intimately with a young person
• Adults who frequently attend licensed premises in the company of different young people.
• A young person looking concerned or frightened in the company of adults.

For more advice on CSE click the red button below.