Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE) and Countylines
Organised criminal gangs (OGC) use children to sell illegal drugs and transport drugs from cities to other parts of the UK.
Process of Child Criminal Exploitation.
This activity is carried out by exploiting children and vulnerable adults to move and store drugs, money, and weapons through coercion, intimidation, and violence. Initially in Norfolk, most drugs were coming from Liverpool and London. However, as gangs have become established locally, the issue is increasingly homegrown.
Local gangs now have direct connections with suppliers, allowing them to operate more independently. Following peak periods of drug-dealing activity, there are usually quieter times, but the locations of peak activity can shift over time.
Gangs - Through the eyes of an adult.
What Is A Gang?
The word gang means different things in different contexts but is basically, a group of 3 or more individuals hanging around together, it is not illegal to be part of a gang.
However there are some gangs where people join together for the sole purpose of making trouble for others, whilst other gangs (organised criminal gangs) acting together for illegal profit through drug dealing or fraud.
Organised criminal gangs see themselves as a discernible group who crime and violence is integral to the groups identity. Gang membership can be linked to criminal activity like drug dealing, trafficking carrying weapons and violence
Gangs In Norwich
Within Norfolk, there are several gangs that have been established for many years, while others appear temporarily and then disappear.
The membership of long-standing gangs changes over time, and individuals may switch from one gang to another. Gang members often have distinguishing features, such as:
Unique ways of speaking
Hand signs
Specific clothing or colours
Graffiti or symbols
Bandanas associated with the gang
In Norwich, there are multiple gangs that are rivals to each other. This is happening across the UK.
Gangs - We need to look through the eyes of a child
Why Do Children Join Gangs?
Adolescents naturally seek independence and a life their parents may not fully understand. Some young people run away from home due to changes in family life, or because of abuse, whether physical or sexual.
Others struggle to cope with caring responsibilities that fall on them when a parent becomes ill. Ideally, these situations should not occur.
An increasing number of children are excluded from school and left unsupervised. They wander the streets, seeking comfort and support wherever they can find it. Without structure or guidance, these children are vulnerable to exploitation.
Some are drawn to gangs as a way to belong and form an identity. The internet, social media, and music can influence children by glorifying gang culture and a luxurious lifestyle, making gangs seem appealing.
Push factors- the reasons that are pushing a child away from their home environment/carers include:
- Family conflict
- Vulnerable
- Parental separation
- Domestic abuse in the home
- Neglect
- Physical, emotional or sexual abuse
- Parental substance misuse
- Mental health concerns
- Issues with care placement.
- Insecure immigration status
- Bereavement
Pull factors- the reasons children are drawn towards risky situations and people:
- Being liked by someone older
- Receiving gifts, alcohol, drugs or money
- Getting a buzz from risk taking or forbidden behaviour
- Being offered somewhere to stay where there are no rules/boundaries.
- Being given lifts
- Taken to new places
- Glamourous lifestyle
- Feeling of belonging in a family and protection
- Group acceptance or validation
Control factors - reasons that are stopping child from seeking help:
- Brain washing
- Not aware they are being exploited
- Getting a buzz from risk taking or forbidden behaviour
- Violence or threats of violence
- Threats of arrest or criminal conviction
- Feeling that there is no escape
- Don’t care because they just want to belong
What Are The Perceived "Rewards"
Within gangs, there is a clear hierarchical structure. The strongest and most ruthless members, often called the “olders,” sit at the top, while children or “youngers” are at the bottom. Youngers start off receiving rewards for loyalty and serving the gang well.
From a child’s perspective, life on the streets can feel exciting. Carrying a knife gives them a heady and dangerous sense of power. They receive praise and financial rewards for successfully completing tasks—rewards they may not get elsewhere.
Most children know their actions are wrong, but they may not understand the consequences, or they may ignore them in their desire to belong. Being part of a gang offers them a sense of being part of something bigger, with its own language, rules, and code of conduct.
Norfolk Childrens Services have always thought that Joe was initially vulnerable and pushed into exploitation as he had several sporting opportunities and incidences at school when he was let down.
Joes life became a vicious cycle of physical and emotional abuse amongst the pull facts of money, lifestyle and adrenalin.
Serious Youth Violence (SYV)
Serious Youth Violence (SYV) is increasing in Norfolk. SYV is defined as any of the most serious violent or weapon-enabled crimes where the victim is aged 1–19.
This includes:
Murder
Manslaughter
Rape
Wounding with intent
Causing grievous bodily harm
SYV often occurs when rival gangs compete over the same turf or drug lines.
Following Joe’s murder in 2022, Norfolk Constabulary established a dedicated team to tackle SYV in the region.