Birmingham is confronting a serious and ongoing challenge in protecting vulnerable children from sexual exploitation, with 98 active investigations currently underway, according to a recent report by Birmingham Children’s Trust.
Among these cases, six involve multiple perpetrators acting together-often referred to as grooming gangs. This report, presented to the city council, provides the first detailed overview of Birmingham’s efforts to prevent and respond to child sexual exploitation (CSE).
The report offers unprecedented insight into the number of children currently involved in criminal investigations related to exploitation in the city, cautioning that many more cases likely remain unreported.
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Certain environments have been flagged as high risk, including children’s care homes, so-called ‘bob shops’, hotels in identified hotspot areas, and taxis.
One case, known as Operation Red Finch, uncovered predators exploiting children aged 12 to 15 who went missing from home and travelled frequently in and out of the city centre, often using buses and trains. Following coordinated efforts by police, transport officials, and safeguarding teams, five children deemed at the highest risk and three offenders were identified.
Additionally, two private hire taxi drivers had their licences revoked earlier this year due to involvement in potential sexual offences against children. Law enforcement has also carried out joint operations targeting predators suspected of frequenting certain children’s homes, as well as investigating links between late-night ‘bob shops’ and exploitation.
Key findings highlighted in the report include:
- 99 crimes of child sexual exploitation recorded from January to June 2026, a significant increase compared to 150 recorded over the entire previous year.
- 98 live investigations, of which six are group-based.
- 143 children identified as currently experiencing or at high risk of CSE as of late July 2026.
The issue has gained renewed attention following last year’s audit by Baroness Louise Casey, which prompted a full inquiry to ensure transparency and the absence of cover-ups, addressing possible political or racial sensitivities.
Unlike other cities such as Rotherham, Oldham, Oxford, and Telford, Birmingham has not previously been singled out as a grooming hotspot nor included in the initial phases of the ongoing inquiry.
However, cases under investigation reveal similar characteristics to those in other affected areas. The report emphasises that children going missing is a key indicator of potential exploitation, offering vital opportunities for intervention.
It also notes systemic weaknesses nationwide in safeguarding victims and effectively policing offenders.
Following the Casey report, Birmingham City Council committed in June last year to reviewing local practices and enhancing safeguarding measures. The city’s response dates back to a major review in 2014, with a subsequent scrutiny inquiry in 2024.
To raise awareness, local forces established Operation Makesafe, engaging hotel staff in identified hotspot areas, supplemented by informational materials distributed to hotels and taxi drivers to encourage reporting of suspicious behaviours.
Birmingham’s Children and Families Directorate provides schools with education safeguarding specialists, curriculum support, designated safeguarding lead networks, and multi-agency collaboration to prevent and respond to CSE.
The Birmingham Safeguarding Children Partnership (BSCP) regularly engages communities and professionals to improve response mechanisms.
The report will be examined by the city council’s education, children and young people overview and scrutiny committee on Wednesday, 30 September, serving as a foundation for further detailed inquiry into the city’s history and ongoing challenges related to child sexual exploitation.
Committee chair Councillor Matt Bennett described the data as long overdue, emphasising the necessity of openness after years of secrecy.
Conservative group leader Robert Alden echoed the sentiment, noting the city has for too long avoided confronting the reality of grooming and exploitation issues. He expressed frustration that Birmingham was not included in the current national inquiry’s focus areas, which currently include Bradford and Keighley, Oldham, and London.
Councillor Kamel Hawwash, the Greens’ Cabinet lead for children, young people and families, welcomed the increased attention, acknowledging the issue has remained hidden within all cities for too long. He affirmed ongoing efforts to work with partners and the government to both review past instances and enhance future safeguarding.
Child sexual exploitation is defined as a form of abuse where individuals or groups leverage power imbalances to coerce or deceive children under 18 into sexual activity, often in exchange for something they need or want, or to gain financially or socially. Exploitation may continue despite apparent consent, with perpetrators often befriending victims before abuse.
The abuse can also occur online or through technology, making it especially challenging for safeguarding professionals to detect and address.
The council welcomes confidential communication from those affected or with pertinent insights via [email protected].