Safety first for families

The Potteries Shopping Centre is a family friendly and safe place to visit, shop and have fun. However, losing a child, even for a few moments can be very distressing and our Child Safe Zones Shopping scheme can help reassure and get help fast.

Helpline window stickers
Look out for the bright orange smiley balloon stickers - these carry our helpline number: 08444 48 42 30 

If you lose a child or need to report an incident look for the nearest sticker and ring this number and talk directly to our security and customer services team.

Mums & Dads!

Teach your child that if they are ever separated from mum, dad or a guardian, not to panic, but to look for the nearest smiley balloon sticker. They can then either look for a security guard or parent with children and ask them to ring the number, or go into the shop and find an assistant to help them.

Also make sure teenagers know they can also use the number, should they need help.
 
Free Wristbands

A mobile number on a wristband is the simplest and quickest way to help a lost child.

On entering The Potteries a wristband can be collected from the Customer Services Desk.

These wristbands are bright, waterproof and tough, so as well as shopping they are ideal for other days out or journeys into busy towns and cities.

Child Safety Tips

It’s easy for children to get distracted in busy places. Most children are reunited very quickly with their parent or guardian, but a child is vulnerable while lost so it’s important to teach them what to do.

If you are lost……….
• Stop, stand still and look, don’t run about.
• If you see the person you were with, go to them and hold their hand.
• If lost in a shop, go to the nearest till point and talk to a shop assistant - most shop assistants will wear uniforms or badges.
• If in the centre, look for nearest smiley orange balloon sticker, and then look for a security guard or a parent with children and ask them to ring the number. Alternatively ask for help in the shop.
• Don’t go up to anyone else.

…but the best way to help a lost child is to try and prevent it happening In the first place:

• Encourage children to stay close to you.
• Use reins or wrist links.
• Don’t leave a child in an unsupervised play area.
• Write a contact number on a wristband or tag.
• Carry an up-to-date photograph.
• Make a note of what the child is wearing.