Reporting Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE)
Child criminal exploitation (CCE) occurs when an individual or group manipulates, coerces, deceives, or forces a child to engage in criminal activity in exchange for something — money, drugs, protection, gifts, or affection. CCE includes county lines drug distribution, theft, and other crimes. Children are victims of exploitation, not criminals, even if they have committed offences. If you believe a child is being exploited, report it.
Immediate danger — call 999
If a child is in immediate danger, has been threatened, or is being held against their will, call 999 immediately.
What to report
- •A child who appears to be involved in drug distribution or carrying drugs
- •A child who has unexplained money, gifts, phones, or new 'friends' who are adults
- •A child who is going missing regularly, especially to unfamiliar locations
- •A child who appears fearful, intimidated, or controlled by older individuals
- •Evidence of a child being used to transport drugs, money, or other contraband across county lines
How to report
Modern Slavery Helpline
When to use
When you believe a child is being exploited and controlled — CCE meets the definition of modern slavery/trafficking in UK law
How to contact
Call 08000 121 700 (free, 24/7). Trained staff can advise on referral pathways, including the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) to formally identify the child as a victim of trafficking.
What to expect
The Helpline can refer cases to the National Referral Mechanism, which triggers formal victim support services. They can also connect you to local specialist organisations. Referrals are confidential.
Police — 101 (or 999 in emergency)
When to use
When you have specific information about individuals or groups exploiting a child
How to contact
Call 101 and ask for the child exploitation or public protection unit. Provide all information you have about the child, the suspected exploiters, and any vehicles, locations, or phone numbers involved.
What to expect
Police will assess the information and may open a criminal investigation. Child exploitation is a specialist area — officers from the local public protection team will be involved. The child will be referred to children's services.
Crimestoppers — 0800 555 111
When to use
When you have information about exploiters but wish to remain anonymous
How to contact
Call 0800 555 111 (free, anonymous) or report online at crimestoppers-uk.org. You do not need to give your name. Provide as much detail as possible about the individuals and locations involved.
What to expect
Crimestoppers passes intelligence to the relevant police force. Anonymous information is still acted upon — many convictions have resulted from Crimestoppers tips.
NSPCC Helpline
When to use
When you are unsure whether the behaviour you have noticed is exploitation, or when you want advice on supporting the child
How to contact
Call 0808 800 5000 (free, 24/7). NSPCC advisers are experienced in CCE and can help you identify exploitation indicators and advise on the most appropriate route.
What to expect
NSPCC can make a referral to children's services on your behalf and can signpost specialist CCE support services in your area.
Evidence checklist
Gather this information before or during your report. Do not delay reporting while collecting evidence — but preserve what you can.
- Physical description or name of any adults you believe are exploiting the child
- Vehicle descriptions and number plates if you have seen them
- Addresses or locations where exploitation appears to be taking place
- Phone numbers the child has used to make or receive calls related to the activity
- Notes on the child's behaviour changes — dates, what you observed
- Any items (drugs, money, mobile phones) that have been found with the child
What to say
You do not need to use a script, but this template may help if you are nervous about making the call. Adapt it to your circumstances.
"I am reporting a concern that a child aged [age] is being criminally exploited. The child [is regularly going missing / has unexplained money and phones / appears to be controlled by adults]. I am concerned that adults including [description if known] may be using the child for [drug distribution / theft / other criminal activity]. The child has recently [specific observation]. I want this investigated as a safeguarding and criminal matter."
What happens next
Children's services will conduct a safeguarding assessment and the child may be referred to a specialist CCE support service. Police will investigate the exploiters, who may face prosecution. Under the National Referral Mechanism, the child can access a range of specialist support services as a victim of modern slavery. The child may not initially accept that they are being exploited — this is normal and does not affect the need to report.
What not to do
- ✗Do not blame or punish the child for criminal activity — they are a victim
- ✗Do not confront the suspected exploiters — this can put both you and the child at serious risk
- ✗Do not assume the child is a willing participant — exploitation involves coercion even when it appears voluntary
- ✗Do not wait for the child to ask for help — they may not recognise they are being exploited
Frequently asked questions
The child denies being exploited and is angry at me for reporting
This is very common. Children who are exploited often feel loyalty to exploiters or fear reprisals. Grooming means they may not see themselves as victims. Your report is correct and necessary — professionals are trained to work with children in this situation.
Does reporting put the child at more risk from the exploiters?
Police and children's services work carefully to manage this risk. When you report, tell them about any safety concerns you have about the child's immediate safety. In high-risk cases, urgent safeguarding measures including secure accommodation can be put in place.
Sources and further information
- Modern Slavery Helpline — Unseen UK
- Home Office — Child Criminal Exploitation — Home Office
This guidance is for informational purposes. It is not a substitute for emergency services or professional safeguarding support. If a child is in immediate danger, call 999 (UK) or 911 (US) now.
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Last reviewed: 2026-04-19. This page provides general educational information, not legal or professional safeguarding advice. UK helplines and legislation may change — verify current details with the relevant organisation.