Frontline youth workers have shared concerns as part of the “Hidden in Plain Sight” report, which include fears that the closure of many diversionary projects and specialist services aimed at helping young people exit gangs safely could lead to an increase in young people coerced into criminal activity.
The report states: “Lockdown has allowed street gangs to locate their targets much more easily as they know they will be either at home or close to a family address.”
“There are issues emerging around vulnerable young people during lockdown who are in unsafe environments and at greater risk from gang-associated activity. Whereas groomers find it easy to show young people the path they can take and its immediate reward – such as buying a new pair of trainers or drugs – in contrast, families and youth workers are struggling to compete.
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