ACL Safeguarding Training Newsletter – Safeguarding Matters!

Are these stickers or similar appearing in your locality?

The anti-lockdown ‘White Rose’ group are predominantly an online organisation (anti-coronavirus / anti-vaccine) not linked with but often followed by far-right groups. The group has taken their name from Weiße Rose (White Rose) group formed in Germany in 1943 to provide intellectual, non-violent resistance to the Nazi party.   Their actions include placing stickers in public spaces, post boxes, cash machines and lamp posts. There are reports of razor blades being attached to the reverse so do not attempt to remove.  The Organisation is not deemed as a threat but defending free speech. But we need to keep informing local authorities who will refer this to the counter terrorism team. 

County Lines

Chelmsford is one of the top impacted towns affected by County Lines and Essex is has one of the highest number of reports. This is often just thought of as being an activity that young people get drawn into, but the age of the individuals varies from 10 years old up to one person who was 86, with the highest number of reports being 22–30-year-olds, so it can affect anyone.

Another concern that could affect our learners is Cuckooing where vulnerable people in Essex are targeted by County Lines drug gangs who take over their homes and use them as bases for drug dealing.

The tactic, known as cuckooing, sees the gang manipulate people with drug and alcohol addictions, financial problems and learning difficulties to gain access to their properties.

The groups have also been known to target the elderly and young mothers, often befriending their victims by offering free gifts, protection, or drugs.

However, this friendship comes at a price as gang members will then move into the victim’s home and turn it into a hive of criminal activity.

Victims find themselves trapped, threatened by the gang, and unable to see a way out. In some cases, they have abandoned their homes entirely and ended up living on the streets.

So, what are the signs that cuckooing is taking place?

“Are there more people staying there than there should be? Is the property a mess? Is the owner guarded and fearful when talking? Are they not keeping appointments or letting other people into their house?

“You might go to an old person’s house and see trainers, Coke cans and McDonald’s wrappers. There might also be signs of drug use, signs of money and phones. Often, the gang members are 15 or 16-year-olds but it’s the people behind them that are the problem if you don’t let them stay – it’s the implied threat.

“People with learning difficulties have come to us and struggle to express what is happening but they’re scared, don’t want to go back to their house and are living on the beach because their house has been taken over by drug dealers.”

Taken from the Essex Police website. 

Cyber Security

Were you aware that it is cyber security Month? Access this link for videos information and tips: ECSM (cybersecuritymonth.eu)

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