Skip to main content
Essex Safeguarding Children Board

Criminal exploitation

What is criminal exploitation?

Criminal exploitation is when someone uses a child or young person to do something illegal like selling drugs or carrying weapons. The person in charge might be an adult or another young person. They often pretend to be a friend and offer things like:

  • Money
  • Clothes or trainers
  • A phone
  • Protection from others

But these things come with a price. The child is expected to do dangerous or illegal things in return. The person in charge is usually older and uses lies, threats, or fear to stay in control.

Children who feel lonely, don’t go to school much, or want to feel like they belong are more at risk. Sometimes, they don’t even realise they’re being used.

In 2024, over 2,000 children in the UK were reported as possible victims of criminal exploitation. Most of these cases were linked to County Lines. (gov.uk)

More about criminal exploitation.

What is county lines?

County lines is when gangs use children and young people to move and sell drugs. The drugs are usually taken from big cities to smaller towns or villages.

County lines involves modern slavery and trafficking because the children are being used and controlled by others.

The gangs use children to:

  • Carry drugs in bags, clothes, or even inside their bodies
  • Travel by train, bus, or car to deliver the drugs
  • Stay in homes that don’t belong to them
  • Carry weapons to protect the drugs

Gangs often try to make children feel special or important. They might say they are part of a “family” or a “team.” But this is not true. The gangs use lies, threats, and violence to stay in control.

It is very dangerous, and children who get involved can be hurt, arrested, or scared.

Learn more about County Lines.

Essex County Lines Campaign - Local campaign to increase knowledge

What is cuckooing?

Cuckooing is when a gang takes over someone’s home to sell drugs. They might stay there without asking and use the home to hide drugs or weapons.

They often choose homes where people:

  • Are older or live alone
  • Have problems with drugs or alcohol
  • Have mental health issues
  • Have learning difficulties

If you think this is happening in your area, call Essex Police on 101 or 999 in an emergency. Say the words “Operation Trespass” and “Cuckooing” so they know what you’re talking about.

Find out more about cuckooing.

How to help young people

Children who are being used like this are not criminals—they are victims. They need help, not punishment.

They might feel scared, trapped, or ashamed. Some don’t want help until something serious happens, like being arrested or hurt. But it’s important to keep trying to support them.

You can help by:

  • Listening without judging
  • Telling a trusted adult or professional
  • Sharing helpful websites or phone numbers

Some young people who are being criminally exploited may be more open to help at certain times, like after being arrested or seriously hurt. These are called ‘reachable moments’, and professionals should use them to offer support. However, it’s important to remember that all young people can be reached at any time, so we shouldn’t wait for these specific moments to help them.

Prevention strategies

Stopping criminal exploitation before it starts is really important. Here are some ways to help prevent it:

  • Talk early and often: Have open conversations with children about safety, friendships, and peer pressure. Help them understand what healthy relationships look like.
  • Teach online safety: Many children are targeted through social media. Teach them how to stay safe online and what to do if someone makes them feel uncomfortable.
  • Build confidence: Children who feel good about themselves are less likely to be tricked or pressured. Encourage hobbies, friendships, and positive role models.
  • Spot the signs: Learn what to look out for—like changes in behaviour, new expensive items, or going missing. Find out more about the signs.
  • Work together: Schools, families, youth workers, and communities all play a role. Share concerns and support each other.

Learn more and get support

Here are some places where you can learn more or get help.

For parents and carers:

For young people:

For those working with children and families:

Nothing further to see here.