The Best Guide for the Dagenham Area

Child Safety Week - Shopping Safety

You know your children and 99% of the time they will stay by your side during a shopping trip, but it only takes a second to lose sight of them.  Discuss a plan of action with your children before a day out and follow our simple tips to ensure a safe and happy away day:

• - Encourage your child to hold your hand or pushchair or trolley and stay close.
• - Use a rein or wristband on toddlers and small children in very busy places.
• - Never leave your children unsupervised in play areas.

If they get lost:

• - Teach them to recite their name, address and telephone number
• - Sew or write their names inside their clothing
• - Point out the customer services desk or lost children sign when you enter a store. Familiarise yourself and your children with the layout of the store and show them the staff (what uniform they wear etc).
• - Teach them to approach a sales assistant with a badge if they get lost.

If you lose your child:

• - Don't panic - go and talk to the closest member of staff or the enquiry desk
• - Listen carefully to any public announcements
• - Alert the shopping centre's security staff
• - Enquire at the nearest police station

Tell your children:

• - STOP, stand still and look around if they are lost. Do not run around trying to find you. It is better that you go to them by retracing your steps.
• - If they can see you, they should go straight back to you.
• - If they cannot see you after a while, they should go to the enquiry desk or lost children's sign as you planned and wait there. They should also tell a member of staff that they are lost so an announcement can be made.
• - If they get lost in a street, NEVER approach anyone in the street, instead go in the nearest shop and ask for help.
• - Older children may carry a mobile phone, they should call you immediately and stay put.

If you are a shop assistant or staff member:

• - Stop and listen to the child, they may be very distressed.
• - Crouch down to their level and show them your name badge.
• - Try and find out their name and address.
• - Carry out a quick search in the immediate vicinity. Most times children are near to their parent/carer but just can't see them.
• - If you can't find them, notify security, public announcement areas or customer services.
• - Before handing over a lost child, confirm the identity of anyone claiming them. Do not release the child to anyone under 16. If in doubt ring the police.
• - If the child is not claimed or collected, take them to a quiet place and ensure a member of staff remains with them at all times. Inform the police and give as much information as possible.