The criminal exploitation of children and adults is an issue in Greater Manchester and a priority for Programme Challenger. This criminal exploitation takes many forms, the most common relating to the supply and movement of drugs, offences in relation to guns and other weapons, money laundering, violent offences and in some cases “cuckooing” where criminals forcibly take over control of a person’s home. 

In order to raise awareness of these issues with the public and professionals, Programme Challenger has developed the “Trapped” campaign.

A key objective of the campaign is to encourage people to report their concerns to the police or Crimestoppers, which they can do through the usual channels (999 in an emergency, 101 for non-emergencies or 0800 555111 anonymously) or as an alternative in a non-emergency situation, information can be emailed directly to the Challenger team using the email address trapped@gmp.police.uk

The Trapped campaign will be formally launched at an event in The Factory Youth Zone in Harpurhey on 23^rd October, followed by a Trapped week of action.