Private school children are being groomed by drug gangs as they are 'less likely to be identified' by police, according to a new report. The joint report from education, police, care and probation inspectorates warns that pupils from affluent areas such as Tunbridge Wells and Cheltenham are being recruited to carry illegal substances to customers in rural areas.
The report states: 'Children targeted for the purpose of county lines come from a wide range of backgrounds. Examples include grooming affluent children attending public school, who are less likely to be identified as drug running by the police.' However, it also notes that children not in regular education or missing from school are at heightened risk.
Vulnerable older children, such as those neglected or less likely to be reported missing, as well as children in care and those not in full-time education, are often targeted. The report highlights that even short absences from school can increase the risk of exploitation.
Ofsted chief inspector Amanda Spielman warned: 'All children, including those in areas of relative affluence, are fair game for these criminals. We have heard of gangs targeting private school children because they are less likely to arouse suspicion.' The inspectorates call for a 'shift in culture' to ensure staff recognise signs of criminal exploitation, such as children losing interest in activities or displaying unusual behaviours.
