Criminal abuse & exploitation
According to the NSPCC,
"Children and young people involved with gangs and criminal exploitation need help and support. They might be victims of violence or pressured into doing things like stealing or carrying drugs or weapons. They might be abused, exploited and put into dangerous situations."
The NSPCC go on to define different types of gangs which children may be at risk from and to explain the meaning of County Lines.
Click on the button below to link to the advice and information on the NSPCC webpage:
Have a look at this film below from Barnardos charity regarding how children are led into criminal exploitation and the following video, "Stitches", which provides the same story, from a young person's point of view:
What to do if you are worried
If you are worried about a child becoming exposed to criminal exploitation,
call NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000