Exploitation & County Lines

Gangs and Exploitation

Many young people become involved in offending through pressure, grooming or exploitation by older individuals or organised groups. This can include gang association, carrying weapons, involvement in violence or drug supply, or being controlled through threats, debt or intimidation. Understanding these influences is crucial when assessing any allegation involving a child or young person.

Types of Offences Linked to Gangs and Exploitation
  • County lines: Young people pressured into moving or supplying drugs.
  • Weapons possession: Carrying knives or weapons due to fear or coercion.
  • Violence: Assaults or grouprelated violence linked to gangs.
  • Robbery: Taking property using force or threats under direction.
  • Modern slavery: Control or threats forcing involvement in crime.
  • Grooming: Older individuals manipulating children into offending.
  • Drug running: Young people used to move or sell drugs.
  • Coerced gang activity: Offending driven by intimidation or loyalty.
  • Online grooming: Social media used to draw young people into crime.
  • Holding items for others: Pressure to store drugs or weapons.
  • Public order: Grouprelated confrontations linked to peer pressure.

Young people who are exploited or pressured into offending may be protected by the Section 45 Modern Slavery Act defence, which applies where a child is said to have acted under compulsion linked to exploitation or control.

How We Support the Case

We work with social workers, youth workers, psychologists and support services to ensure the court has a full picture of a young person’s circumstances. We can also obtain expert psychological reports addressing issues such as suggestibility, vulnerability and the impact of exploitation.