2024 refresh - eyes open awareness campaign
Child criminal exploitation &
county lines
Eyes Open is a dedicated campaign aimed at raising awareness about the growing issue of child criminal exploitation and county lines.
Our mission is to educate communities and protect vulnerable children from falling prey to criminal gangs.
County lines refers to the networks used by gangs to distribute drugs from cities to smaller towns and rural areas. These operations rely heavily on the exploitation of children and young people, who are used to transport and sell drugs across different locations.
Gangs will groom children through the promises of gifts, attention and a ‘better’ life, only to find themselves trapped in dangerous situations.
Initially, these gifts may seem harmless – new clothes, gadgets, or money. However, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
This is part of a calculated strategy to gain the child’s trust and loyalty. Once the child is dependent on the gang, they are coerced into criminal activities, often with threats of violence and blackmail.
How to spot the signs
It’s essential to stay vigilant and recognise the signs of grooming and exploitation.
Some signs of exploitation can resemble typical teenage behaviour, such as mood swings, secrecy, or changes in social circles.
However, if you, as a parent/carer or professional, feel uneasy or notice unusual patterns that raise concern, it’s crucial to trust your instincts. Look out for a young person:
How you can help
Remember, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Stay Informed: Educate yourself and others about the signs of child criminal exploitation and county lines.
Speak Up: If you suspect a child is being exploited, report it to us [insert force info here]. If you think a child is in immediate danger, please call the police on 999 straight away.
Support the Campaign: Join us in spreading awareness and supporting the Eyes Open campaign. Your involvement can make a difference.
For more information, visit https://eyes-open.co.uk/
Eyes Open is a campaign in partnership with the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit (NWROCU), Merseyside Police, North Wales Police, Lancashire Police and Greater Manchester Police. It has also been adopted by the Kent & Medway Violence Reduction Unit.
This approach ensures a unified and robust response to child criminal exploitation. The campaign has been developed through extensive research, focus groups, and lived experience case studies, ensuring it accurately represents the diverse experiences of those affected.
Further information / FAQs
What does child criminal exploitation look like?
Child criminal exploitation is when someone a young person feels they can trust encourages them, or forces them, to do things which causes them harm. This can include committing a crime for their benefit.
The list below includes some – but not all – of the things they could be encouraged or forced to do.
- Sell drugs
- Carry drugs or money – or store them somewhere.
- Carry a knife or gun, or other weapons – or store them somewhere.
- Look after weed that is being grown in a house or other property.
- Have sex with someone or engage in sexual activity.
- Work in unsafe places, like a cannabis (weed) farm or a vulnerable person’s home (selling drugs)
What is grooming?
Grooming is when someone pretends to be a friend so they can trick or pressure a young or vulnerable person into something.
It can be difficult to spot because it usually happens gradually over time, and the person will probably appear kind and caring at first.
Grooming can happen face-to-face or online, or anywhere that children and young people spend time.
It’s important to remember that if you are being or have been groomed, it is not your fault.
Who can I call for help?
Crimestoppers Fearless – A safe place to give information 100% anonymously, online or by phone.
0800 555 111, www.crimestoppers-uk.org/fearless
Childline – Free, confidential advice anytime, whatever your worry, whenever you need help.
0800 1111, www.childline.org.uk
NSPCC – If you’re worried about a child, you can contact the NSPCC Helpline online or by phone for help, advice and support. 0808 800 5000, www.nspcc.org.uk
If you think a child is in immediate danger, please call the police on 999 straight away.
