The Bayswater BID is introducing a pioneering safety scheme which offers a hotline number to assist parents and guardians in finding children who have been separated from them whilst out shopping. The Child Safe Shopping scheme, is launched on 24th January. By calling the dedicated Child Safe number of 08444 48 42 20, parents and guardians will be put in contact directly with the police who will use a coordinated approach with Bayswater BID Street Ambassadors and businesses operating on the BID’s security radio scheme to re-unite them with their children.
Child Safe has been successfully introduced in over 120 shopping centres across the UK & Ireland. The initiative provides children with free wristbands for parents’ or guardians’ contact numbers so that, in the event of a child being lost, the parent or guardian can be contacted quickly. The wristbands will be available free of charge from various locations throughout the BID area.
The Bayswater Child Safe helpline number is displayed on bright, eye-catching posters throughout the area. When a parent or guardian calls the number they will be connected directly to the security team.
Bayswater BID Manager Ben Collins said: “Child Safe has been operating successfully in more than 120 shopping centres across the country so we are delighted to introduce the scheme. The scheme gives shoppers peace of mind and reassures them that if their child gets lost this service can assist in finding them quickly.”
Ben added “Improvements to safety was a primary requirement for businesses within the BID area and is a core strand of our activity. The Child Safe scheme, along with the presence of our Street Ambassadors, our radio security system and additional funded police patrols are all activities that help enhance the safety of the area.”
Jo Sillitoe, of the Queensway Town Centre Police Team said: “Any scheme that considers the wellbeing and safety of children is welcomed by the Police”.
Richard Manville, Director and co-founder of Child Safe said: “We are thrilled to launch the first Child Safe scheme in Bayswater and are pleased to be working with the Bayswater BID team, who have been very supportive in coordinating the scheme”.
