Northamptonshire highest in the East Midlands for suspected child exploitation
Last year the county had the highest number of referrals for suspected child sexual and criminal exploitation in the region.
Last updated 2nd Jul 2025
We're being urged to look out for signs of child exploitation as figures new Home Office statistics show the scale of the issue in Northamptonshire.
Last year the county had the highest number of children in the East Midlands referred as suspected victims of child exploitation, 125 young people under the age of 17.
Child exploitation is where an individual or group manipulate a child or young person into criminal activity in exchange for something the child wants or needs - such as food, money, drugs, gifts or affection. It can be criminal or sexual in nature.
Becky Thompson is a Child Sexual Exploitation Investigator and Coordinator with Northamptonshire Police:
"It is a big issue and that's why we set up this Child Exploitation hub because we noticed there was a need for it. We've always for a good while, had a team focused on the sexual exploitation, but there wasn't anywhere really to go for the criminal exploitation and in terms of impact and victims there, we are seeing a lot more criminal exploitation in the county."
The hub has been up and running since last September and Becky tells us about some misconceptions about child exploitation:
"There is a common misconception that child sexual exploitation effects females and criminal expectation effects males and that is not the case.
"It can affect both, so sexual can affect males and females and criminal can affect males and females also. And there can be sometimes a lot of crossover between the two types of exploitation. So just because someone's been criminally exploited doesn't mean they can't be sexually exploited as well. It can go hand in hand and we are seeing that."
Northamptonshire Police are urging us to 'Look Closer' to spot the signs and have produced a short film launched by the Northamptonshire Safeguarding Children Partnership ‘I’m Being Exploited’
James Simmonds-Read, National Programme Manager at The Children’s Society, who are working with forces and agencies on the Look Closer campaign said:
“Young people are telling us that they feel judged by adults, and that their vulnerability is often overlooked or simply ignored.
“This generational gulf must be urgently addressed and trust restored between children and the communities they live in.
“Parents, teachers, police and the public must be better equipped to build strong relationships with children and young people, and we can start by looking at the way we communicate.
“If we truly want to support and protect children, we must make the most of the interactions we have with them. We need to demonstrate a willingness to learn about, and understand, their lives.”
Some common signs of child exploitation 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.
• 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
• A young person talking about new friends they have met online.
If you’re worried a young person is being criminally exploited but don’t want to contact the police – then contact Fearless anonymously or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.