First ever child protection Operation AVRO launches across the force to tackle criminal and sexual exploitation

Operation AVRO is our force-wide monthly operation which sees us target the crimes which matter the most to our communities. Using high visibility, resource intensive and proactive policing, we launched an action-packed day of activity across Greater Manchester, focusing on child protection and safeguarding.

The day started at 5am, with warrants across the force, targeting those we suspect to be exploiting young people, either sexually or criminally. In total, 33 individuals were arrested for a variety of offences including serious sexual offences and rape, indecent images offences, and possession with intent to supply class A and B drugs.

Thousands of pounds worth of drugs, cash, and illicit assets were also seized from suspects across Greater Manchester.

We were joined by Cheshire Constabulary’s digital dog detective Ted, whose specialist skills help us identify hidden digital devices which may be used to hold illegal images. With devices becoming smaller, and criminals becoming more adept at concealing them, these skills are an excellent asset to our investigations. Throughout the day, he successfully sniffed out several concealed mobile phones, USB sticks and hard drives.

Proactive operations in Bury and Rochdale saw officers and staff from our dedicated Complex Safeguarding Teams join local authority Trading Standards to visit several shops we suspect to be selling vapes to underage children. We’re actively disrupting the sale of illegal vapes as this can often lead to children being coerced into criminal activity or sexual exploitation.

In total, £25,000 worth of illicit or non-compliant vapes were seized, along with illegal sweets and imitation firearms.

Teams across the force also delivered a number of training sessions to hoteliers, businesses, and taxi licensees to make sure they were equipped with the tools and confidence to challenge inappropriate behaviour and feel comfortable knowing what to look out for when young people come into their business premises.

Our specialist behavioural detection teams were deployed to hotspots across the force, with a focus on reducing youth violence. To compliment this, our Complex Safeguarding Teams delivered several workshops in local primary and secondary schools, discussing important topics such as healthy relationships, staying safe online, and how criminal gangs look to exploit young people.

Education and engagement are key, and we will continue to be out in our communities, talking to as many people as we can who are often the first point of contact for young people at risk of exploitation. If we can increase awareness, make sure we’re asking young people the right questions in the first place and providing a safe space for them to talk, we have our best chance at protecting them from harm.

This is just a snippet of what we do on a daily basis. With more resources and more investment into tackling exploitation and protecting children from harm, we are working around the clock to face the issues head on. From improving training for frontline officers, ensuring they stay professionally curious to maximise chances of early intervention, to specialist detectives targeting online predators, we are taking advantage of the breadth of experience and resources we have across the force, with one common goal of safeguarding young people from harm.

Detective Chief Inspector Suzanne Keenaghan, Force Coordinator for Child Protection, said: “We want to empower our communities to be alive to the signs of exploitation, provide avenues for them to report concerns to us and our partners, and most importantly, instil public confidence to know that we will act upon any intelligence that they give us.

“Sadly, people will always seek to exploit children and vulnerable people, but I am confident that we have rigorous safeguarding mechanisms in place across Greater Manchester, and relentless teams of detectives and frontline officers who are pursuing offenders.

“At the heart of the work we do is building trusted relationships with the children and young people who are at risk. The activity yesterday gave us the chance to speak to thousands of people in our communities, take criminals off the streets, and build on our intelligence picture about children who are facing or experiencing exploitation. With help from our partners and the public, we have seen significant results, and we will continue to build on this so not to become complacent.”

If you are concerned about a child’s welfare or have any information regarding any activities being carried out in Greater Manchester that are worrying to you, contact Greater Manchester Police via gmp.police.uk or by dialling 101. You can also share information anonymously via the independent charity – Crimestoppers – on 0800 555 111.

Could you spot a child who is at risk of CSE or CCE?

Whilst this is not an exhaustive list, some signs of exploitation include: changes in behaviour; not coming home when they say they will or going missing; changes in appearance; reluctant to talk about friends/relationships and becoming secretive; struggling to engage in school; overly protective of their messages/social media; having more than one phone; accompanied by individuals older than them; concerns surrounding the use of alcohol or drugs; sudden changes/fear of people/friends; unexplained gifts or money; sexual discussions/language which is not usual; evidence of sexual images being shared (by themselves or by others)

If something doesn’t feel right – report it.