Barnardo's Nightwatch Hotline

We’ve been working with Barnardo’s Scotland since 2018 to deliver an anonymous service which allows those working in the evening or through the night a means to keep children and young people at risk of exploitation safe. 100% anonymously. 

If you’re worried for a child and want to remain 100% anonymous, call Barnardo's Nightwatch Hotline powered by us, Crimestoppers, on 0800 389 0131 or complete our online form here.

In an emergency, always call 999.

Watch this short video to see how front-line workers in the night time economy can play an important role in helping keep young people safe from sexual exploitation:

We appreciate that suspected perpetrators who may enter your pub, taxi, nightclub, hotel or even takeaway shop may appear threatening or you may even know them by name. This can often make it hard to talk to the police - and that’s why it’s good for you to know that we’ve never broken our anonymity promise. 

We also know perpetrators are not always easy to spot, but you can help by being vigilant and knowing the signs to spot. 

These might include children and young people:

• Going by taxi to a hotel or other venue with adults who do not seem to be family members.
• Being taken to a hotel room by, or visited by, one or more adults who do not seem to be family members.
• Being out late (or at times when they should be at school) with older adults who do not seem to be family members.
• Being bought alcoholic drinks by adults although young person is already intoxicated.
• Being bought food or drinks by an older adult whom they seem to see as a boyfriend/girlfriend.

There could also be other indicators such as:

• Indications of sexual activity with one or more adults who are significantly older than the young person.
• Indications of sexual activity involving a young person who you know or suspect to be under 16.

If you feel a young person is in immediate danger, call 999.

If you have concerns about a young person or a situation you have witnessed, call Barnardo’s Nightwatch Hotline anonymously on 0800 389 0131, or fill in our online form.

The more information you can give us the better; always try to take notice of behaviour, note descriptions of individuals, clothing and/or vehicles.

And remember victims are often too scared to come forward, or might not even recognise that they are being exploited and that Child Sexual Exploitation relates to anyone aged under 18 years.

Nothing to report?

Learn more by downloading Barnardo’s Guidance on Concerns within the Night-time Economy in relation to Child Sexual Exploitation (PDF).

Please help us raise awareness of the signs to spot by sharing this webpage on social media. 

9 August 2021