Today see’s the launch of Bedfordshire Against Violence and Exploitation (BAVEX) campaign, bringing together different agencies across the county to speak out with one voice against exploitation and organised crime.
This includes child criminal exploitation through county lines, child sexual exploitation, criminal exploitation through things like forced begging, shoplifting or money laundering, sexual exploitation in places like brothels, labour exploitation in different industries as well as the cuckooing of vulnerable people’s homes.
To mark the launch, a video outlining six examples of exploitation by organised crime in the county is being released, in the hope it will compel communities to come forward with concerns. You can watch this video on YouTube and share with colleagues and partners.
It also forms the basis of an online pledge people are being encouraged to share on social media to support the BAVEX campaign by shining a light on exploitation.
The partner pack has all of the campaign materials as well as an outline of our planned activity over the next week or so.
There are some key things you can do to help.
- Visit bavex.co.uk and share the pledge on social media
- Subscribe for updates
- Report any concerns – there are details of how to do this on the BAVEX website
Tackling organised crime is everyone’s business. Help BAVEX shine a light on exploitation.