AROUND three reports of child neglect are passed on to Coventry police and social services each week – and have trebled.
Charity NSPCC – which works to fight child abuse – say the number of referrals have more than trebled over the past five years.
In 2012 there were 58 reports from concerned adults to the charity – but this year there have been 166, which are then passed on to the authorities.
There have also been nearly ten calls this year regarding child neglect across the city.
In one case a concerned adult called the charity’s helpline for advice.
She said: “The children are home alone again. I saw the mother leave the house earlier this morning and its past midnight now. I’ve seen the children peer through the curtains a few times as if they’re waiting for her.
“She does this every Friday night to go out drinking with her mates. I’m really confused about what to do as I don’t want to ruin the relationship with the mother as we are neighbours but at the same time I am really worried about the children.”
The charity is urging people to look out for neglected children, with common signs including poor appearance and hygiene, living in an unsuitable home, being left alone for a long time and seeming hungry.
NSPCC Midlands head of service Sandra McNair said: “Neglect can have severe and long-lasting consequences for children, and can also be an indicator of other forms of abuse. This is why it is so important for anyone suspecting a child of being neglected to contact the NSPCC, so we can alert the authorities to quickly step in and help those in need.”
Email [email protected] or call 0808 800 5000 to contact the NSPCC.
