Children as young as 10 exploited by criminals in Suffolk
An event is taking place today to raise awareness
Children as young as 10 in Suffolk have been found carrying drugs and knives after being groomed by criminal exploiters, according to the county's Child Criminal Exploitation Hubs.
The warning comes as young people from across Suffolk are invited to a free Skate Jam in Stowmarket today (Saturday 8th August 2026), where organisers hope to both promote positive activities and raise awareness of child criminal exploitation.
The free event, taking place at Stowmarket Skatepark on Finborough Road between 12pm and 4pm, is open to skateboarders, BMX riders and scooter users aged up to 25. Alongside competitions and prizes, the event will provide advice on recognising the signs of criminal exploitation and where to seek support.
"We know that children in Suffolk are being affected by child criminal exploitation"
Marcus Buckley, Operations Manager for Suffolk's Child Criminal Exploitation Hubs, said while many people believe exploitation only happens in large cities, the reality is very different.
"We know that drug dealing exists in most towns and most cities across the country. So we know it happens in Suffolk. We know that children in Suffolk are being affected by child criminal exploitation."
"The exploiters are smart"
He said the team works with children who have already been exploited while also delivering preventative education in schools and communities.
Among the most concerning cases are children who have been groomed into criminality without realising they are victims.
"We've had children who have been forced to sell drugs. We've had children who have been trafficked to other parts of the country... We've had children who are forced to go and steal items. Children who have been exploited, they don't know that they've been exploited."
Mr Buckley said the public is often unaware how young some victims are.
"We've worked with children as young as 10 years old who have been victims of child exploitation, who have been found carrying knives and carrying drugs."
He added that exploiters are increasingly targeting children who might not fit traditional stereotypes.
"They're looking at young children who are not even necessarily from impoverished backgrounds anymore... you've got children from middle-class, upper-class families who are being exploited... because the exploiters are smart."
What to look out for
According to Mr Buckley, exploitation often begins with grooming rather than threats.
He explained that offenders first build trust by offering gifts, money, food or companionship before isolating children from family and friends. Only later do coercion, blackmail or violence begin, by which point many children believe they've simply made a new friend or partner.
Parents are being encouraged to look out for changes in behaviour, including children becoming withdrawn, going missing, skipping school or suddenly returning home with expensive items they cannot explain.
Mr Buckley said new coats, jewellery, mobile phones, e-scooters and vapes are among the gifts increasingly being used by exploiters to groom young people, although he stressed no single sign should be viewed in isolation.
The Skate Jam has been running for three years and aims to provide a safe, inclusive environment where young people can meet, compete and enjoy skateboarding, BMX and scootering while learning about staying safe.
Mr Buckley said previous events had shown older participants mentoring younger children, sharing helmets and lending equipment to help everyone take part.
"It was just really nice to see all of those children come together to support each other as well as compete against each other... It's a really, really fun and friendly event."
The event is free to attend and includes competitions for under-12s, under-16s and 16 to 25-year-olds, along with a best trick competition in each age category.