Woman served with first-of-its-kind order in Bedfordshire to protect children from exploitation

A woman from Bedford has been given an interim civil order designed to protect children from harm and prevent them from being coerced into criminal activity – the first order of its kind in Bedfordshire.

The 33-year-old was issued with an interim Slavery and Trafficking Risk Order (STRO) at Stevenage Magistrates’ Court on Thursday 28 May, following intelligence suggesting she was involved in the supply of controlled drugs and had used young people to assist with distribution.

The order was secured by Bedfordshire Police’s Child Sexual Exploitation and Missing Investigation Team (CMIT), supported by Northamptonshire Police’s Anti-Social Behaviour and Civil Order Team and Bedfordshire Police Legal Services.

Under the conditions of the order, she is prohibited from allowing anyone under the age of 21, who is not an immediate family member or extended close relative, to enter her address. She is also banned from contacting a number of individuals, the majority of whom are children.

In addition, she must not facilitate the travel of anyone other than her immediate family unless she notifies a Bedfordshire Police officer at least 24 hours in advance. She is also required to provide written notification within 24 hours of the full postal address and postcode of any premises she owns, occupies, controls or has access to, including business premises.

Breaching the conditions of the order is a criminal offence and could result in a prison sentence of up to five years.

Detective Inspector James Clatworthy said: “Child criminal exploitation will not be tolerated in Bedfordshire, and we will continue to take action against those involved.

“This interim Slavery and Trafficking Risk Order is a vital tool in protecting children from being drawn into criminality. It also allows us to proactively target and restrict individuals who pose a risk to our communities.

“For us to keep using powers like this effectively, we need the public’s help. Please report any concerns or suspicions, no matter how small.”

To learn more about the signs that a child may be being exploited and how to report concerns, visit beds.police.uk/police-forces/bedfordshire-police/areas/campaigns/campaigns/lost-boys/