Hang On To Your Children

---

West 12 shopping centre launches child safety scheme

A new scheme has been launched at the West 12 Centre to make sure children who go missing while out shopping will easily be able to find their parents again.  

Land Securities, which owns the shopping centre, says the Little Shopper Stay Safe scheme will help families enjoy “a relaxed, safe and carefree day out by helping to minimise the trauma and distress of children and parents becoming separated”. 

Free wristbands will be available at the centre, allowing parents to fill in emergency contact information and attach it to their child for the duration of the shopping trip.  

The wristband comes with a special information card which tells parents what to do if they become separated from their child, and gives details of a special telephone helpline they can call.  

Stores and customer services points will also display window stickers and posters carrying the Little Shopper Stay Safe logo and teddy bear mascot, and identify safe places for lost children and adults to seek help. 

Zoe Quintel at Peacocks clothes store said: "Little Shopper Stay Safe is an excellent initiative that not only provides parents and guardians of young children with reassurance, but also equips them with the information and materials to help them become reunited quickly." 

The scheme's mascot Bernie the Bear paid a visit to the West 12 Centre last Friday to introduce himself to some local children.  

Land Securities' Head of Retail Operations, Nick Peel said: "The fear of children going missing is thankfully much greater than the reality. However, we want families to enjoy a visit to a Land Securities' shopping centre and feel relaxed and this is just the sort of scheme to help ensure they have a carefree and enjoyable experience with us.” 

The launch of Little Shopper Stay Safe comes after a successful pilot of a similar operation at Land Securities' Lewisham shopping centre.The scheme is being rolled out across the property giant’s shopping centre portfolio.  

16 August 2008