Police Urge Parents to Stop Gangs Recruiting Kids for Crime

Police are sounding the alarm to parents and carers: youngsters are at serious risk of being drawn into crime. Officers from the Met’s East Area Command, covering Barking and Dagenham, Havering, and Redbridge, warn that organised gangs are actively targeting vulnerable children to supply drugs.

Gangs Luring Kids With False Promises

Detective Superintendent Paul Trevers said, “Exploitation comes in many forms, but one of the cruelest is gangs recruiting youngsters to push drugs. We frequently see extreme violence when kids clash with rival gangs or when we catch children working for higher-up dealers.”

He added, “Too many young people wrongly believe that hanging out with well-known gang members boosts their social status. The harsh truth? The risks and dangers they face far outweigh any so-called ‘easy cash.’”

Speak Up Anonymously – Save a Young Life

Worried a child you know might be targeted by gangs? Police urge you to speak out. You don’t have to give your name — contact the independent charity 123, and 123

  • 123 or call 0800 555 111.

    It could save a life.

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