🌟 County Lines Awareness Week: Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE)🌟

🌟 County Lines Awareness Week: Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE)🌟

Resident

The Home Office defines CCE as situations where individuals or groups exploit an imbalance of power to coerce, control or manipulate a child under 18 into criminal activity. This may be in exchange for something the child needs, or for the gain of the perpetrator, and may involve threats or violence. Importantly, exploitation may appear consensual but is not.

CCE can include:

Drug running

Storing drugs, cash or weapons

Forced theft, robbery or acquisitive crime

Cannabis cultivation

Technology‑enabled exploitation (online communication and recruitment)

Key features:

Use of a “deal line” mobile number

Movement of children to other regions

Use of hotels, short‑lets, or “cuckooed” homes

Clear hierarchy shielding adult offenders from frontline risk

Indicators a Child May Be Exploited

Repeated missing episodes

Sudden possession of cash, clothing, or phones

Travelling alone to unfamiliar areas

Being picked up/dropped off in vehicles by unknown adults

Evidence of assault or unexplained injuries

Withdrawn behaviour, fearfulness, or heightened secrecy

Receipt of threats or increased association with older individuals

Use of multiple phones or social media for communication with unknown contacts

Children are frequently controlled through fear, threats, beatings, and “trust tests”. Gangs will continue until they secure complete control.

📞 If You’re Worried About Someone

If you suspect someone may be involved or at risk, please report concerns to:

Your local police

Crimestoppers (anonymous)

Local safeguarding teams

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Message Sent By
Samantha Powell
(Gwent Police, PCSO, Newport West - Bettws)