Criminal Exploitation
Definitions
Underpinning a collective response to the issue of criminal exploitation is the need for agreed definitions that support a shared understanding of the issue of concern. These definitions allow our partnership to foster a common language and shared understanding of what we mean when we talk about 'criminal exploitation' in Kent and Medway.
View definition of criminal exploitation
View definition of Serious Organised Crime Groups (SOCGS), including Gangs and County Lines
View definition of Young Street Group
Local strategies and guidance
Kent and Medway Gangs Strategy:
The Kent and Medway Gangs Strategy sets out our approach to building on the progress following the first strategy which was created in 2018, and how we tackle gang crime and ensure community safety. It outlines where we are now and where we want to be in the future in order to better lead, plan, commission and deliver services across our partnership.
View Kent and Medway Gangs Strategy 2022-2024 (DOCX, 1.3 MB)
Tackling Cuckooing Multi-Agency Guidance:
This guidance is to raise awareness of the issue of cuckooking and provide a framework for agencies to work to when dealing with cuckooing cases. It seeks to promote a consistent approach and to ensure there is an effective multi-agency response which supports victims alongside action to prevent, disrupt and reduce cuckooing in our areas.
It is primarily aimed at frontline staff who work with vulnerable adults. It can also be used as a source of information and advice to support individuals, families, carers and members of the public.
View Tackling Cuckooing Multi-Agency Guidance (PDF, 1.2 MB)
Awareness
There are a number of websites that can be used to help raise awareness and increase your understanding of criminal exploitation.
Visit Eyes Open- the campaign to stop criminal exploitation website
Resources
The Children's Society County Lines and Criminal Exploitation Toolkit:
The County Lines and Criminal Exploitation toolkit hopes to address some gaps in knowledge and offer suggestions for supporting young people who are at risk of, or being trafficked for the purpose of criminal exploitation.
View The Children's Society County Lines and Criminal Exploitation Toolkit
County Lines Videos:
To help increase awareness of County Lines, the Kent and Medway Violence Reduction Unit have produced a variety of short story videos. The videos look at the issue of County Lines from different perspectives including those of young people, parents, the Police and a Defence Barrister.
View county lines - recruitment video
View county lines - business model video
View county lines - customer video
View county lines - spotting the signs video
View county lines - breaking the cycle video
View county lines - lived experience video
View county lines - Chris's story video
Kent and Medway Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) Guide to County Lines:
This guide provides everything you need to know to understand county lines, as well as guidance and where to find support.
View Kent and Medway VRU Guide to County Lines (PDF, 660.8 KB)