A campaign has been initiated in Kent to assist parents and carers in identifying potential indicators of child grooming.
The Eyes Open program aims to inform youth and their guardians about the perils of grooming, exploitation, and the manipulative strategies employed by county lines gangs.
These operations predominantly depend on the exploitation of children and adolescents, who are utilised to transport and distribute drugs across various places.
Upon becoming reliant on the gang, the youngster is compelled to engage in criminal activities, frequently through intimidation, assault, and manipulation.
The families and loved ones of the child are also at risk.
Kent and Medway Violence Reduction Unit has identified 11 behaviours to assist in recognising symptoms of criminal exploitation, hence raising awareness and empowering parents and carers.
The eleven behavioural types to observe are:
- Regularly absent from school or home
- Being discovered outside the designated region
- Arriving home tardily
- Arriving tardy to school
- Altering social circles
- Interacting with older individuals
- Discussing individuals receiving complimentary food, vaping devices, alcoholic beverages, and tobacco products.
- Possessing multiple mobile phones or numerous SIM cards
- Receiving unaccounted sums of money, mobile devices, apparel, jewellery, new hairstyles, or other products and presents
- Receiving an inordinate number of calls or messages from unfamiliar adults or acquaintances
- Being transported by unfamiliar individuals in vehicles
Certain indicators may mimic ordinary adolescent behaviour, such mood fluctuations, secrecy, or alterations in social affiliations.
Nevertheless, law enforcement advises that if parents and guardians experience discomfort or observe atypical behaviours that provoke concern, it is essential to heed their instincts.
Indicators of concern include minors possessing multiple mobile phones or SIM cards and receiving an inordinate number of calls or messages from unfamiliar adults.
The Eyes Open campaign has been collaboratively developed with police forces in Greater Manchester, North Wales, Lancashire, Merseyside, and the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit (NWROCU).
County lines denotes the systems employed by gangs to transport narcotics from urban centres to smaller towns and rural regions.
Each police department participating in the program conducts specialised county lines operations to impede criminal activities and protect victims of exploitation.
Since 2019, over 5,600 lines have been terminated nationally, and 8,800 persons have been referred to protection by law enforcement.
Criminal organisations will exploit youngsters through the provision of gifts or by fostering a sense of belonging.
The New Eyes Open campaign resources illustrate that there is invariably a stipulation associated with these ‘free’ presents, like luxury apparel, vapes, or high-priced bicycles.
A county lines drug gang that exploited young children in Brighton has been sentenced to over 34 years in prison.
Over 100 individuals apprehended in Thames Valley county borders operation
Chief Inspector Lara Connor, Director of the Kent and Medway Violence Reduction Unit, stated, “Child criminal exploitation is a grave concern that can impact any child in any community.”
“In Kent and Medway, gangs have exploited individuals, frequently through gifts and deceptive promises.”
“The Violence Reduction Unit is dedicated to safeguarding children and adults from harm, and the Eyes Open campaign is essential for educating and empowering children, parents, and communities to identify the indicators of exploitation and understand preventive measures.”
“Collective action against exploitation can foster a safer future for all.”
Kent’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Matthew Scott, states, “Safeguarding young individuals from exploitation is a primary concern, and the Eyes Open campaign serves as a crucial instrument in protecting vulnerable children by enhancing awareness of the tactics employed by criminal organisations.”
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.