Anti-gang grooming and exploitation

The Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) has partnered with community organisation Think Village, the Department of Education, Department of Families, Fairness and Housing, Department of Health, Youth Justice and Victoria Police to fast track an education campaign about gang grooming and exploitation tactics.

Together, these agencies have identified priority locations for an initial pilot program using intelligence and data from recent investigations involving criminal exploitation of children.

Starting in September 2026, youth and community development practitioners from Think Village are delivering tailored workshops in youth justice facilities and a select number of schools.

The workshops will help young people and their families:

• identify grooming tactics early
• understand the risks of criminal exploitation
• build confidence to say no
• know where and how to seek support.

What is criminal grooming?

Criminal grooming is the process organised crime groups use to build trust with a child before exploiting them for criminal purposes.

It can begin with a simple conversation from someone they know or a stranger they meet at a shopping centre, local takeaway, sporting venue or even near a school.

Increasingly, grooming is taking place online through:

• social media platforms
• encrypted messaging services
• gaming platforms
• popular online apps

Children who have already been groomed are often also encouraged to recruit their friends, helping criminal networks expand their reach.

At first, the requests may seem harmless. A child might be asked to deliver a package, hold an item or complete a simple task in exchange for money, friendship or gifts.

Over time, the demands escalate.

As rewards increase, so do the risks. What begins as a seemingly minor task can quickly develop into involvement in serious offending, including violence, property crime, arson attacks and other dangerous criminal activity.

How criminal exploitation works

Organised crime groups deliberately target vulnerabilities and create a sense of belonging or dependence.

They may offer:

• cash
• expensive clothing or shoes
• mobile phones or technology
• friendship and acceptance.

Once a child becomes involved, gangs often use guilt, pressure, intimidation or threats to maintain control. They’re also telling children:

• they're too young to be arrested
• they won't go to jail
• the consequences are minor
• someone else will take responsibility.

These claims are false. There are serious legal consequences for criminal behaviour, including for children.

Victoria's Adult Time for Violent Crime reforms mean that children accused of certain extremely serious offences may be tried in adult courts and face significantly longer sentences, including life imprisonment in the most serious cases.

It can happen to any child

Criminal exploitation is not limited to a single group of young people. Any child could become a target.

The VRU is working to disrupt these criminal tactics by educating children, parents, carers and communities, while strengthening protections around those most at risk.

Recognising the warning signs early is critical.

Support and resources are available

No young person or family needs to deal with these situations alone, and support is available.

The VRU will be developing further support guides and resources as part of this campaign.

'The Runner' short film trailer

The Runner is a short film that follows the fictional story of Zac, a teenager who is lured into completing a simple task before being gradually drawn into organised criminal activity.

As the demands placed on him escalate, Zac finds himself trapped in a cycle of coercion, threats and increasingly serious offending, with devastating consequences.

Developed by Think Village, the film supports discussions about real-world criminal grooming and exploitation.

The pilot will run over the coming months and inform the development of a broader statewide campaign planned for 2027.