Vulnerable young people at Melbourne outreach services are being groomed by men who lure them with alcohol and drugs in exchange for sex, say support services.
Half a dozen men are being regularly recognised and moved on by staff and volunteers from Melbourne City Mission, who suspect they are out to exploit youngsters in need of food and shelter.
The men explain themselves as kind people helping those in need, but it is what's going on behind closed doors that outreach workers are concerned about, the mission's homeless and justice services director Sheridan Bruinhout says.
Every night the men hover around food van services in the central business district, according to Ms Bruinhout, who says it has been reported to police.
Police say there is no evidence of a pattern of criminal activity targeting homeless youth, but urged anyone with details to come forward.
Ms Bruinhout said it can be difficult getting reports from victims who do not want to speak badly about someone who is showing them attention and affection.
"It's not until they get stability back that they report to us that they're offering them drugs, they're offering alcohol, other inducements and, by and large, it's in return for sex," she told AAP.
Many of those being targeted do not have families and crave attention or a sense of belonging.
"Their needs are quite easy to meet if you have the means to do it," she said.
Melbourne City Mission's Front Yard service provides outreach services for 3000 homeless people a year, but is only funded to run until 8pm.
"The fact there are no funded programs for young people past those times is a real issue," she said.
A Victoria Police spokesman said officers had a partnership with welfare organisations in the CBD.
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