Today we have relaunched our County Lines campaign. The campaign aims to raise awareness of County Lines, the signs that might suggest someone is involved and to promote the support services available. What is County Lines? County Lines is the name given to the criminal activity involving organised crime gangs (OCGs) who will often target, groom and manipulate young and vulnerable people into moving, storing and selling drugs. OCGs will convince people into transporting drugs from one county to another, often using public transport, in return for belonging and status, gifts and money. But in reality, young and vulnerable people are being coerced and exploited. What are the signs that someone is involved in County Lines activity? Becoming involved in County Lines activity is not common and doesn’t happen to everyone, but young and vulnerable people from any background can be groomed and exploited. They can be groomed in a number of ways for example face-to-face or online, by someone they know or a stranger. Therefore, it is important to understand the signs that might suggest someone is involved in county lines: · A change in their emotional wellbeing e.g. being secretive, withdraw, aggressive or emotional · Displaying acts of anti-social behaviour · Going missing from school or home for long periods of time · Spending more time on their phone and receiving more texts or phone calls than usual · Having drug paraphernalia in their pockets or bag · Cash or weapons amongst their belongings · Wearing new, expensive clothing, footwear or jewellery · Having unexplained injuries What is cuckooing? Cuckooing is another part of County Lines activity, where a gang will target someone for their home, turning it into a base for their drug distribution and dealing. There are a few signs to look for that can indicate cuckooing is happening in your neighbourhood: · An increase in anti-social behaviour · Other people inside the house that don’t live there · People coming and going at all hours · More taxi’s and cars at the property · Drug paraphernalia outside/nearby · Unusual smells coming from the property Where can you get support? If you’re concerned that someone you know is being exploited, at risk of harm or you have witnessed something suspicious, call us on 101 or dial 999 if it’s an emergency. You can also get in touch on LiveChat through our website: https://www.staffordshire.police.uk/ There is more information about County Lines and links to support services including Catch 22 on our website: www.staffordshire.police.uk/countylines |