PCC calls new child exploitation research ‘deeply troubling’

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon has called new insights into child exploitation “deeply troubling.”

The research, which was done by the Children’s Society, suggests that organised criminal gangs are targeting children as young as seven to transport and sell drugs across the country.

In Wiltshire, it is known that there are often links between those activities – which are also referred to as county lines – child criminal exploitation and young people carrying knives.

PCC Philip Wilkinson said: “It is deeply troubling that children as young as seven are being exploited by ruthless criminal gangs. This is not just a policing issue – it’s a societal one that demands a joined-up response.

“Through our Serious Violence Duty partnership, we are working to understand the root causes of youth exploitation and violence and invest in long-term solutions that protect our most vulnerable.

“Part of that investment includes commissioning vital drug and alcohol support services which help individuals break free from the cycle of addiction and exploitation, such as Turning Point in Wiltshire, and Change Live Grow in Swindon which are funded by my office and the local authorities.

“This is in addition to the specialist programmes we fund to support vulnerable young people at risk of both committing offences and becoming victim to criminality to divert them away from crime and support and encourage them to make good choices and thrive in their communities.”

Most young people who are targeted by criminal groups are between the ages of 14 and 17.

The research also revealed that a majority of 80% of parents across the UK are worried about county lines in their local area.

According to the Children’s Society, children from the age of 11 are also approached by criminals to share explicit photos – with the target age having dropped in recent years.

Signs of child exploitation can include:

• A young person travelling alone, particularly late at night or on a regular basis. 

• A young person being instructed or controlled by another individual, especially if the other person is older.

• A young person who seems anxious, worried, angry or is displaying other behaviours that make you worried about them.

• A young person carrying a lot of cash or more than one phone.

• A young person begging in a public space.

• A young person talking about new friends they have met online. 

• A young person being (potentially) under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Young people are often targeted at fast food restaurants, shopping centres and parks and will be forced to travel on trains, buses and coaches.

Other places young people may get groomed include hotels, salons and car washes as well as online gaming platforms and social media.

“Education, early intervention, and wraparound support are essential in preventing young people from being drawn into criminality, and my office remains committed to ensuring children and young people are given the safety, support and opportunity they need to thrive”, added PCC Wilkinson.

Help available

If you are worried about a child, there is help available from these services:

• Childline - 0800 1111 - https://www.childline.org.uk (for children)

• NSPCC – 0808 800 5000 - https://www.nspcc.org.uk (for adults)

• Police – 999 (for immediate concerns)