Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE)

The UK Government defines Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE) as:

“Child criminal exploitation is common in county lines and occurs where an individual or group takes advantage of an imbalance of power to coerce, control, manipulate or deceive a child or young person under the age of 18. The victim may have been criminally exploited even if the activity appears consensual. Child criminal exploitation does not always involve physical contact; it can also occur through the use of technology.”

CCE is when young people are groomed – manipulated or tricked – into committing crimes for someone else. This can happen without them even realising they’re being used.

Gangs might offer:

• Friendship or a sense of belonging
• Cigarettes, cannabis, alcohol
• Food or a place to stay

In return, they expect you to do illegal things. Children as young as 10 or 11 are being drawn into gangs this way.

Being involved in county lines or CCE can:

• Put you in serious danger
• Get you into trouble with the police
• Make you feel scared, trapped, or alone

But remember:

If someone is making you do something illegal, it’s not your fault. You are a victim, and there is help.