Parking officers sign up for missing child searches

Mr Abbott, a senior civil enforcement officer working for NSL on behalf of Worthing Borough Council, has been working with the charity Missing People.

His efforts have seen parking officers across the country sign up for Child Rescue Alert, ensuring as many people as possible are on the look out when there is a report of a missing child.

“As civil enforcement officers, we work right out in the heart of local communities, so we are well placed to keep a close eye out for a missing child in a local area,” said Mr Abbott.

“Thankfully, such incidents are not common. But when a child does go missing, every second counts, so I’m really pleased such a large number of colleagues have registered to receive alerts.

“I’m also really chuffed that our efforts to promote the Child Rescue Alert programme closer to home have resulted in so many new registrations from members of the public in and around Worthing.”

Child Rescue Alert is managed by Missing People in partnership with National Crime Agency and Groupcall.

Recognising the importance of the scheme, Mr Abbott has played a central role in encouraging colleagues right across the UK to register for the alerts.

He promoted the benefits of the scheme on NSL’s stall at the popular Worthing Fire Station open day and Broadwater Carnival and will also be giving presentations to schools.

His efforts, part of NSL’s MyContribution scheme, a company-wide initiative to harness new ideas from staff members, have already resulted in a significant increase in the number of people registered to receive alerts.

A Missing People representative assisted with the initial briefing to colleagues and explained how to register for Child Rescue Alert.

Mark Hoskin, NSL’s executive director of local government, said: “Paul’s suggestion is an example of just show how much our civil enforcement teams care for the wellbeing of their local communities and I’m delighted his enthusiasm for such an important programme is shared by colleagues all over the country.

“It’s particularly pleasing that such a simple but effective idea has been prompted by our call for new ideas and the foresight and dedication of an individual member of staff.

“In this case, it’s no exaggeration to say that everyone who registers for alerts could help to save a child’s life.”

Alerts can be received via SMS and email. Visit www.childrescuealert.org.uk to find out more.

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