Navigator and Tailored Support Service

What is a gang?

The word ‘gang’ can have different meanings depending on what context it is used. In the Government’s paper ‘Safeguarding for children and young people who may be affected by gang activity’ they distinguish between peer groups, street gangs and organised crime groups (OCGs).

• Peer group – A relatively small social group which may or may not describe themselves as a ‘gang’ depending on the context. 
• Street gang – Groups of young people who see themselves (and are seen by others) as an established group who are known to commit criminal acts and acts of violence. 
• Organised criminal gangs or ‘OCGs’ – A group of individuals involved in crime for personal gain (i.e. financial). These individuals will see crime as their ‘occupation’.

What is grooming?

Organised crime groups groom children, young people and vulnerable adults by building a relationship, trust and an emotional connection with them. Once they have built this relationship with them they will manipulate, exploit and abuse them. 

Anybody can be a groomer. It doesn’t matter what age, gender, or race they are. Grooming can happen over a short or long period of time and can either be online or in person. Groomers may even build a relationship with family members to make them seem trustworthy or authoritative. 

Groomers can form different types of relationships with a vulnerable person. This could be: 

• Romantic relationship 
• Mentor 
• Authoritative figure 
• Dominant and persistent figure

Whether online or in person, groomers often use tactics such as: 

• Buying gifts
• Giving attention, advice or showing understanding 
• Pretending to be younger 
• Taking them on trips, outings or holidays