Child Exploitation Data from June 2012 to May 2022

Freedom of information request reference no: 01.FOI.22.024817

I note you seek access to the following information:

I would like to know child criminal exploitation statistics within the past 20 years up to present day within London and Greater London. I would like information regarding the prevalence of gangs, county lines, risk groups, the issues associated with school and different techniques used to recruit young and also vulnerable children. Could I possibly have a breakdown for age groups, boroughs, ethnicity groups, and socioeconomic areas.

Redefined to read;

Could I please receive data from the past 10 years if data reaches this far (if not please provide data as far back as you have recorded info) on the following:

Please could you break all of the following data down by borough, age and ethnicity; I am aware of the need to send this information separately in order to minimise the risk of identifying any individuals.

• TNO (age limit up to 11) with the branch flag GE for exploitative group/gang. Please can you add a school location marker to these as well.
• Where county lines issues are most prevalent.
• How many gangs have been identified in London and Greater London.
• How many children (up to age 11) are involved with GE.
• The percentage of children up to age 11 who have committed GE related crimes.
• Data on Child Sex Exploitation as a count of non-crime incident HO code 587/00 for number of at risk children coming to police notice, and a count of TNO/Victims with the branch flag ES for child sex exploitation.
• Data about the percentage of children who have been previously involved in and currently apart of county lines.

Decision

I have today decided to disclose the located information to you in full.

Please find below information pursuant to your request above.

In relation to your second question, I have been advised that intelligence suggests that over the financial year 2021-2022, Croydon, Bromley, Lewisham, Lambeth, Greenwich and Hackney were the London boroughs which had the most County Line Deal Lines originating from their areas.

Intelligence also suggests that over the financial year 2021-2022, Croydon, Lambeth, Lewisham, Brent, Newham, Greenwich and Waltham Forest boroughs had the most individuals linked to County Lines residing in their areas.

In relation to your third question, I have been informed that 137 gangs have been identified in London.

In relation to your seventh question, I have been informed that Intelligence suggests that over the financial year 2021-2022, 365 children (those under 18 years old) in London were linked to County Lines.

It is important to note that this is intelligence not evidence, and includes all individuals who intelligence suggests have some link or involvement to County Lines. This can include those who are suspected of offences as well as those who are victims and/or exploited by County Lines groups or at risk of exploitation.

Please note that data is not held for the 10 year period as requested.