Northamptonshire team joins national operation to prevent girls from criminal exploitation
Commissioner's Early Intervention Team collaborates with British Transport Police
Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner’s Early Intervention Team has joined a national operation focusing on preventing young girls being groomed into criminal activities.
The collaboration with British Transport Police (BTP) took place on major railway networks in London, specifically at Kings Cross and London St Pancras stations during half term.
This national effort aimed to identify and safeguard victims of county lines exploitation, drawing upon the expertise developed by Northamptonshire’s Youth Violence Intervention Unit, which features a dedicated Girls Pathway.
Focus on Exploitation Prevention
Led by Sophie Branston, the Girls Pathway initiative launched a year ago to highlight how exploited girls often go unnoticed compared to boys, due to varying behavioural presentations like substance misuse and mental health concerns.
The Early Intervention Team has been crucial in understanding the multi-layered exploitation linked to offenders previously identified as risks.
Branston explained, “When we started talking to the young girls, it unearthed their vulnerabilities and opened up a much bigger picture of exploitation.”
National Collaboration and Impact
The operation was part of a larger initiative involving BTP's County Lines Taskforce and multi-agency partners.
Augusta Ryan, Senior Early Intervention Officer, applauded the collaboration, stating, “There are very few interventions across Forces in this country that have dedicated pathways to safeguard young girls.”
British Transport Police Detective Superintendent, David Udomhiaye, emphasised the importance of working with non-policing partners, adding, “Our goal is not to criminalise children but to safeguard and protect them as soon as possible.”
Commissioner’s Mission
Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Danielle Stone praised the national recognition of the Girls Pathway impact, proclaiming its role in identifying risks and protecting young girls from further harm.
Her wider mission aims to halve violence against women and girls and provide young people with the best start in life, envisioning long-term safeguarding as a shared responsibility.
This operation signifies a step forward in tackling violence against young girls and ensuring their protection from criminal exploitation.