New lost child safe haven scheme

The Kidsafe scheme will reunite lost children with their parents

A new scheme to help children and parents separated on shopping trips has been launched in Kent.

Kidsafe will see shops in Dartford act as safe havens for lost children, identified by posters in the window.

The stores will be connected by radio so news of lost children who come to the shop can be spread quickly.

The project has been developed from police safety measures introduced following the abduction and murder of two-year-old Jamie Bulger in 1992.

Radio network

The Kidsafe poster depicts smiling faces to show children they will be safe, and that help is at hand should they become separated from their parents.

Kent Police community support officer Julia Lindon said: "Hopefully other towns will follow on with our scheme which will keep safety for all the children that come shopping."

Dartford is the first town in Kent to use the radio network, but its success relies heavily on the co-operation of stores.

Sixty-five have so far signed up for the initiative.

The logo is to be taken round all schools in the area to show children what to look out for to stay safe.