STAFF at drive-through restaurants are being offered training to spot vulnerable people being criminally exploited.

Police will work with restaurants based on retail parks and service stations to upskill staff. The training will help raise awareness of the signs staff need to look out for, and what to do if they suspect criminal exploitation.

The initiative is the latest from We Don’t Buy Crime, which takes a holistic approach to acquisitive crime and associated harm.

The initiative is also supported by West Mercia Police and crime commissioner, John Campion, who said: “I am committed to creating a safer West Mercia, and protecting the most vulnerable in our communities from harm.

"As part of this commitment, I have provided £63,825 contribution to funding the dedicated exploitation and vulnerability trainers. ”

“Extending the work of the vulnerability and exploitation trainers to include staff at drive thru restaurants is another step forward to protecting vulnerable people, and educating communities to look out for each other.”

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Signage will be displayed at participating venues informing customers staff have been trained and are working with police to protect local communities.

People who have received the training so far include hotel workers, licensed premises and council workers, refuse collectors, teachers and voluntary organisations. More than 18,000 people across the area covered by West Mercia Police have received the training.

Earlier this year, We Don’t Buy Crime won the partnership category of the national Tilley Awards.