The exploitation of young people is one of the most pressing and complex safeguarding issues in the UK. It includes many forms of abuse and criminal activity, such as county lines drug trafficking and gang involvement. Young people are often targeted by both individuals and organised groups, whose tactics are becoming more advanced and harder to detect. Many salons work with apprentices who are aged 16-18, so knowing about these often-hidden threats is important to prevent and protect your young team from harm.
County lines exploitation happens when young people are pressured or tricked into carrying drugs, money, or weapons— often across different towns or regions. Gangs usually target those who are vulnerable, such as young people dealing with family problems, feeling isolated, or looking for a sense of belonging. These gangs use grooming, threats, and violence to control their victims, making it very hard for them to break free.
Being involved in gangs puts young people at serious risk—not just of getting caught up in crime, but also of suffering emotional, psychological, and physical harm. What makes it even harder to help those involved is that many young people don’t see themselves as victims. This can be because they’re scared, feel loyal to the people exploiting them, or simply don’t realise that what’s happening to them is abuse. Warning signs of exploitation can include:
- Sudden changes in behaviour or absenteeism from the salon.
- Involvement with older peers or new groups of ‘friends’.
- Boasting of large amounts of cash or having more than one mobile phone.
- Sudden signs of high levels of spending on new clothes, etc.
- Also, for some young people, withdrawn, anxious, or depressed behaviour.
How You Can Help
We can all play a role in protecting vulnerable young people from exploitation:
- Be aware of the very real risk that ‘county lines’ gangs pose to young people.
- Learn to recognise the signs of exploitation and take concerns seriously.
- Understand that young people often cannot disclose what is happening to them.
- Report suspicions to your Cheynes Training academy designated Safeguarding Lead or directly to Melissa Birch, the overall Cheynes Training Safeguarding Lead, or anonymously to services like Crimestoppers.