Dedicated week-long operation to tackle Child Criminal Exploitation sees 8 arrested

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) joined forces from across the country during a nationwide week of action to tackle Child Criminal Exploitation.

Co-ordinated action took place between Monday 11 – Sunday 17 October 2021 to tackle offenders attempting to draw young and vulnerable victims into criminality.

Officers from all districts worked collectively throughout the week, and took part in the execution of 4 warrants in Trafford and Oldham, in addition to a range of work based on intel gathered. The proactive policing led to 5 arrests for the following offences:

• A 23-year-old man, 29-year-old man and a 41-year-old female were arrested for drugs offences and remain under investigation.
• A 20-year-old male was arrested for Human trafficking and drugs offences who has been released on bail.
• A 29-year-old male was arrested for the possession of Class B drugs and has been released under investigation

A range of other tactics were used throughout the week which led to a further 3 arrests carried out by North Wales Police in support of an on-going investigation led by GMP.

The targeted operation also led to the seizure of:

• 2 Rolex watches, valued at £15,000 each
• £5,000 cash
• Class B drugs

In addition to tackling those responsible for the exploitation of young and vulnerable victims, officers have carried out a range of community engagement to help educate local communities and local partners in how to spot the signs of exploitation, and how they can play their part in helping safeguard those who may be at risk. This work included visits to local train stations, fast food venues, youth clubs, care homes and students.

A key sentencing also took place throughout the week of action, which saw five members of a serious and organised crime group that trafficked class A drugs between Greater Manchester and North Yorkshire have been jailed for a total of 25 years.

Inspector Jack Murphy from the Serious and Organised Crime division at GMP said: “We remain committed to tackling organised crime here in Greater Manchester, and I hope the results from this week send a strong message to those exploiting the most vulnerable members of our society to further their own criminal business.

“I also hope the community engagement work that has gone on across the week helps further protect and safeguard young and vulnerable people who are used to transport drugs and forced into other illegal activity – this is child abuse, and I want to make that message clear.

“A lot of planning and hard work goes into these weeks, and I am proud to see collectively across all districts there has been some great results. I have no doubt the activity will be disruptive to criminal networks, operating both within Greater Manchester and beyond, and our work to tackle those responsible and protect those being exploited will not stop here.

“I would also like to reiterate that support is available to anyone who feels threatened, knows they are being exploited, or has concerns about the way they are being treated.

"I encourage members of the public to make themselves aware of the signs of child criminal exploitation. We rely on intel being submitted to help us drive our operations forwards, so it really is imperative that no matter how big or small, anyone with concerns should come forwards.

"You could be the difference for a victim, and we all have a responsibility to protect young and vulnerable members of our communities, so it is important we all know what to look out for."

Signs of criminal exploitation and county lines include:

If you have any concerns, please visit our website to access the LiveChat or online reporting facility, or by dialling 101. Alternatively, you can make an anonymous report to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via https://crimestoppers-uk.org/