Criminal Exploitation, Child Criminal Exploitation and County Lines

Abstract

Child criminal exploitation (CCE) occurs when a child under the age of 18 is encouraged, expected or required to take part in any activity that constitutes a criminal offence under British law. It can take many forms, including ‘county lines’ (where children and young people are coerced to carry drugs and weapons from one area to another to service complex drug supply chains), stealing or shoplifting to order, cannabis cultivation and forced begging.

All children are at risk of being targeted and exploited. However, those who exploit children will often target children from particular groups that are vulnerable because of inadequate protective structures. These include children in poverty; in care and care leavers; children who have experienced other abuse, including domestic abuse and neglect; unaccompanied asylum seekers; children not in education or with additional mental health needs; and those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).