You should take precautions to prevent your children from getting lost. Communication is key - talk to your children about the possibility and what to do if the situation does araise. They should not be alarmed but made to think for themselves

•	encourage your children to stay close to you in shops and to hold onto your hand or the trolley
•	use reins or wrist bands on young children in busy places
•	don’t leave children unsupervised in play areas

In case they get lost:

•	teach them to recite their name, address and telephone number
•	sew/write their names inside their clothing
•	make sure your children know the store layout and where to locate a member of staff - show them the uniform they wear, you should also point out customer service, or a lost childrens’ sign
•	teach them to go and tell a shop assistant with a badge, if they are lost

If you loose your child:

•	don’t panic - go and tell the closest member of staff or an enquiry desk
•	listen carefully to any public address announcements
	alert the shopping centre’s security staff
•	enquire at the nearest police station

Tell your children:

•	to STOP - stand still and look around if they are lost, not to run around trying to find you. It is better that you go to them by retracing your steps
•	if they can see you they should go straight back to you
•	if they cannot see you after a while, they should go to a checkout desk and tell the person that they are lost
•	if they get lost in the street, DO NOT approach anyone in the street, but instead go to the nearest shop and and ask for help.
•	older children may carry a mobile phone with them – they should call you immediately and stay put

If you are a shop assistant or staff member

•	stop and listen to the child who is trying to tell you something – they may be distressed
•	crouch down to their level and show them your name badge
•	try to find out their name and address
•	carry out a quick search of the immediate area with the child. Most of the time lost children are near to their mothers or carers but just can’t see them
•	if you can’t find them notify security, public announcement areas or customer services
•	before handing over the lost child confirm the identity of anyone claiming them and make sure the child can identify them. DO NOT release the child to anyone under 16. If in doubt ring the police
•	if the child is not collected or claimed, take them to a quiet place and ensure a member of staff remains with them at all times - preferably the person who found them so as not to alarm them with a new person
•	inform the police and your security staff, giving as much detail as possible

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