Closing gateways to child exploitation: illegal vapes

The use of illegal vapes has been linked to criminal and/or sexual exploitation of children, say police.

Operation Vigilant – the multi-agency response to child exploitation run by the Sunrise Complex Safeguarding Team based at Rochdale police station – has identified an increase in reports about the sale or provision of illegal vapes, and says it is a ‘gateway’ to child exploitation.

Detective Chief Inspector Stuart Round, GMP Rochdale’s lead for safeguarding, explained: “It’s not unusual for us to be asked what vapes have got to do with the criminal and/ or sexual exploitation of young people – what we know is that some offenders use objects which youngsters want but struggle to access to incite criminal behaviour or sexual activity… Traditionally, it’s been high-value gifts, alcohol, or drugs.

“When we receive intel that a premises is selling vapes to young people or that adults are offering them out in high-footfall areas – such as outside schools or shops, ourselves and the council will use the resources available to us to develop an understanding of what is happening and stop offenders in their tracks before they develop influence and power over vulnerable youngsters who they could harm.”

Since January 2023, Operation Vigilant has conducted six days of action, resulting in the seizure of 2,899 illegal vapes. A further 20,000 have been recovered by Trading Standards. 

The majority of legal devices allow 550 to 600 puffs of 2% nicotine e-liquid, which equates to 40 to 50 cigarettes per vape. 

As a general rule, if the listing states more than 600 puffs, they will not be suitable for the UK market, as they will have a capacity greater than 2ml and, most likely, a higher nicotine content than is permitted.

 

 

Generally, anything more than 600, possibly 800 puffs, is likely to be an illegal disposable vape. There are a few 800-puff devices sold in the UK which are TPD-compliant and legal.

It is illegal to sell vapes to anyone under 18, regardless of whether it is from a shop or vehicle.

There are currently 20 ongoing investigations which may result in prosecutions and/ or closure orders to stop offenders in their tracks and keep young people safe.

The Sunrise Team comprises of police, health and children’s services, and are regularly joined by trading standards. Team members go out on patrol, visiting areas where young people spend their time, engaging with them and letting them know how the team are able to support them.

DCI Round continued: “As a partnership, we are absolutely committed to stopping young people coming to harm in the first place. As such, this ‘proactive’ work is a priority for us but our efforts don’t stop at gathering and acting upon intelligence – we are also focussing on engaging with young people, those who spend time with them, and the eyes and ears of our communities to raise awareness of the issue.

“If you have information about the sale of or provision of illegal vapes to young people, please be assured that we want to know so we intervene - you are strongly encouraged to report it.”

GMP can be contacted via gmp.police.uk or 101. In an emergency, always dial 999. Reports can be made anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.