Criminal exploitation

What is criminal exploitation?

Criminal exploitation is a form of modern slavery and human trafficking where victims are forced to work under highly organised criminals - via force, coercion, abuse, deception, or other means of exploitation.

What is child criminal exploitation?

Child criminal exploitation is the coercion and control of children and young people to commit crimes, usually for the benefit of abusive adults or peers. A child can be manipulated, intimidated, and threatened with violence (including sexual violence).

A child under the age of 18 cannot legally give consent to their exploitation, even if the activity appears to them, and others, as consensual.

Exploitation does not always involve physical contact - it can occur through the use of technology.

Signs of criminal exploitation

Look out for the following warning signs, which could be examples of someone being exploited:

• Unexplained acquisition of money, clothes, jewellery, or mobile phones
• Spending time or having relationships with people who are older
• Being isolated or withdrawn
• Often going missing from home or school, or being found out of area
• Spending increased amounts of time online and being secretive about time online
• Making an increased amount of calls and messages
• Self-harming and feeling emotionally unwell
• Taking drugs and abusing alcohol
• Unexplained injuries and refusing to seek medical help
• Carrying weapons
• Committing petty crimes like shop lifting or vandalism

Report a concern

For non-urgent crimes, contact Suffolk Police online or call 101

You can report a crime anonymously online to Crimestoppers, or call 0800 555 111

Call the Modern Slavery Helpline on 08000 121 700

If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, always call 999

If you are concerned about a child

If you have concerns about a child, you can call the Customer First freephone on 0808 800 4005. You can give information anonymously.

You can also make a referral to Suffolk Children and Young People online.