Grantham train users will today be urged to #LookCloser for children at risk of exploitation.

Officers from Lincolnshire Police and the British Transport Police will be handing out leaflets at Grantham Railway Station and engaging with staff and passengers to help them spot children and young people who are being exploited by criminals.

The move is part of a five-day regional campaign involving the East Midlands Special Operations Unit (EMSOU), The Children's Society and British Transport Police (BTP).

EMSOU Detective Inspector Harry Dick, coordinates the police response to human trafficking across the region. He said: "It's not just illicit goods, like drugs and weapons, which are seen as valuable commodities by criminals. More and more often we are seeing children and young people being manipulated and coerced onto the path of criminality by them to do their bidding.

"But an exploited child often doesn't see themselves as victimised and, as such, they don't always look or act like a victim.

"Through #LookCloser we are asking the public to challenge their own perceptions and, instead of perhaps dismissing a young person as a troublemaker, take a closer look. Could they actually be in trouble and in need of help?

"Police work closely with children's charities, as well as local authorities and the Prison and Probation Service to combat CCE. This week, we hope to enlist the help of the wider public in our quest to keep children safe."

Today will also see officers at Lincoln and Nottingham stations as the rail network is often used by exploited young people. The #LookCloser team will also visit major roadside services on many of the region's routes as they also aim to spread the message to motorists.

Lucy Belcher, service manager for The Children's Society's Prevention programme, said: "Children are being coerced into everything from 'county lines' drug trafficking, to forced labour, robbery and violence, and may also be subjected to sexual abuse.

"Criminals groom them with offers of drugs and alcohol and promises of status, friendship and wealth, then trap them into exploitation using terrifying threats, violence and sexual abuse.

"Any child in any community can be vulnerable. That's why it's vital that anyone who encounters children – including commuters and transport and service sector staff – is able to #LookCloser for the warning signs and report concerns so that young people at risk can be identified and offered help."

Police advise that people who something of concern to tell security or call 101 immediately. On the trains or at stations text 61016. Always dial 999 in an emergency.