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Police Operation Uncovers Alarming Exploitation of Young Girls

3/22/2026

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Summary

Story summary

A national police operation during a County Lines intensification week exposed alarming exploitation of young girls, with fifty percent of safeguarding recipients female and many minors.
Experts say grooming gangs increasingly target girls through social media.
Victims such as Georgina illustrate coercion into drug trafficking.
Essex Police's Under The Radar project aims to address these issues and support at-risk girls aged 11-24.

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Story summary

A national police operation during a County Lines intensification week exposed alarming exploitation of young girls, with fifty percent of safeguarding recipients female and many minors.
Experts say grooming gangs increasingly target girls through social media.
Victims such as Georgina illustrate coercion into drug trafficking.
Essex Police's Under The Radar project aims to address these issues and support at-risk girls aged 11-24.