In a coordinated effort to combat child exploitation, law enforcement agencies, including ClevelandPolice, conducted morning raids in Middlesbrough and Stockton, resulting in arrests and the seizure of drugs and a machete. The Metropolitan Police highlighted that county lines operations extend beyond drug supply, exploiting vulnerable children and adults, significantly impacting communities. Over 200 vulnerable individuals have been safeguarded through a prevention-led approach. Meanwhile, reports indicate children as young as 12 are at risk, and a South Tyneside charity has observed a steady increase in young people needing assistance after falling victim to exploitation.
A South Tyneside charity has seen a "steady stream" of young people being referred for help after becoming victims of child exploitation https://t.co/X1lC4u7m9s
Children as young as 12 'at risk of exploitation' https://t.co/KIqU8qqRcW
Child exploitation: @ClevelandPolice make arrests and seize drugs and a machete in raids connected to a #childexploitation operation. Watch here: https://t.co/tZiRRTCsyG
Morning raids were carried out in Middlesbrough and Stockton in an operation aimed at disrupting alleged child exploitation. https://t.co/zXRQ9IeCJ9 https://t.co/zXRQ9IeCJ9
County lines is much more than drug supply and dealing, it exploits children - it can ruin communities by targeting the most vulnerable in society. Using a prevention-led approach has safeguarded over 200 vulnerable adults and children. We can further dismantle the network by… https://t.co/l2ET8R7Z9K