PSNI expands crackdown as new figures reveal scale of child exploitation in Northern Ireland

The Police Service of Northern Ireland has issued a stark warning to communities as it marks CE Awareness Day — revealing new figures on child exploitation and announcing an expanded crackdown on the growing threat of criminal grooming.

While child sexual exploitation remains a major concern, police say vulnerable young people are increasingly being targeted by organised crime networks and coerced into illegal activity, including drug supply.

New data highlights scale of concern

Since the devolved National Referral Mechanism decision-making pilot began in January 2026, 13 children have already been referred — including cases involving trafficking into Northern Ireland.

Of those, three cases relate to exploitation within Northern Ireland itself — two involving child criminal exploitation (CCE) and one involving child sexual exploitation (CSE).

Separate figures show:

• 42 children are currently on the Child Sexual Exploitation framework

• 54 CSE investigations have been launched between April 2025 and March 2026

• Five charges have been brought so far, including offences such as sexual activity with a child under 13 and possession of indecent images

Shift in focus as criminal networks evolve

Police say the nature of exploitation is changing — with children being groomed, intimidated and trapped in criminal activity through tactics such as debt bondage.

Detective Chief Inspector Claire Gilbert said:

“Child exploitation is child abuse — whether it is sexual, criminal, online or organised.

“We are seeing vulnerable young people deliberately targeted, groomed and manipulated by those who seek to profit from harm. That is unacceptable.

“While Child Sexual Exploitation remains a core priority for us, we are clear that exploitation does not sit in silos. Criminal networks are adapting their methods, and so are we.”

She added that the PSNI’s expanded focus on child criminal exploitation aims to identify at-risk children earlier, disrupt offenders more effectively, and ensure victims are safeguarded rather than criminalised.

“Exploitation thrives in silence. We are asking parents, carers and communities to recognise the signs and come forward. Protecting children is a shared responsibility — and it is one we take extremely seriously.”

Warning signs parents urged to watch for

Police stress there is no single indicator of exploitation, but common warning signs may include:

• Unexplained money, clothes, phones or gifts

• New older friends or relationships

• Going missing or staying out overnight

• Increased secrecy or sudden behaviour changes

• Falling school attendance or performance

• Signs of physical injury

• Carrying multiple phones

• Anxiety, fearfulness or withdrawal

New measures to tackle child criminal exploitation

The PSNI says it has introduced a series of measures, working alongside the Department of Justice and partner organisations, to strengthen its response.

These include:

• Enhanced data recording to better track cases and map exploitation networks

• Updates to prosecutorial documentation to highlight exploitation factors

• New person-identification flags to identify children at risk

• Regular reporting to the Northern Ireland Policing Board

• Collaboration with the Safeguarding Board for Northern Ireland and Queen’s University Belfast to improve screening and analysis

Training is also being expanded, with a new organisation-wide eLearning package in development and updated multi-agency exercises to improve frontline response.

Community role ‘critical’ in protecting children

Police are urging parents, carers, teachers and the wider community to remain vigilant and report concerns.

Incidents or suspicions can be reported via 101 (non-emergency), 999 in emergencies, or anonymously through Crimestoppers.

The PSNI said protecting children remains a core priority, with partnership working across communities vital to tackling exploitation in all its forms.

At a glance

• PSNI marks CE Awareness Day with renewed focus on child exploitation

• New concern over rise in child criminal exploitation (CCE)

• 13 children referred to National Referral Mechanism since January 2026

• 42 children currently on CSE framework in Northern Ireland

• 54 investigations launched in past year, with five charges so far

• Criminal gangs increasingly grooming children into illegal activity

• Police introduce new data tools, training and partnership measures

• Communities urged to recognise warning signs and report concerns

• PSNI emphasises safeguarding victims rather than criminalising them