#countylines

County Lines is a term used to describe the criminal exploitation of children and vulnerable adults by gangs and organised crime networks. These individuals are coerced into transporting drugs and money across different areas of the UK, often using dedicated mobile phone lines, hence the term "county lines".

Understanding County Lines

County lines operations involve:

Exploitation of young people: Children as young as 11 are targeted and manipulated into criminal activities.

Use of dedicated phone lines: Gangs use specific mobile numbers to coordinate drug distribution.

Transportation across regions: Drugs are moved from urban centres to rural and coastal areas.

The Safeguarding Perspective

From a safeguarding standpoint, county lines is a serious concern:

Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE): Victims are often treated as criminals rather than individuals in need of protection.

Modern Slavery: The coercion and control exerted over victims align with definitions of modern slavery.

Cuckooing: Gangs take over the homes of vulnerable individuals to use as drug distribution bases.

Recognising the Signs

It's crucial for professionals and the public to identify potential indicators of county lines involvement:

Unexplained absences: Frequent missing episodes from school or home.

Sudden wealth: Possession of expensive items without clear means.

Changes in behaviour: Increased secrecy or aggression.

New relationships: Association with older individuals or gang-affiliated peers.

The Role of Training

Education is vital in combating county lines exploitation. Comprehensive training equips individuals with the knowledge to:

Identify warning signs: Recognise behavioural and physical indicators.

Respond appropriately: Take the necessary steps to safeguard potential victims.

Understand legal obligations: Comprehend the responsibilities under UK safeguarding laws.

For an in-depth understanding, consider enrolling in our Safeguarding Children Level 3 Course. This course offers comprehensive insights into safeguarding practices and legal frameworks.

Further Reading

First look at County Lines

A new trailer has been released for County Lines. No release date was specified.

What are the signs that your child may be being targeted by criminal gangs?

A young person’s involvement in county lines activity often leaves signs. A person might exhibit some of these signs, either as a member or as an associate of a gang dealing drugs. Any sudden changes in a person’s lifestyle should be discussed with them.

Some potential indicators of county lines involvement and exploitation are listed below, with those at the top of particular concern:

• persistently going missing from school or home and / or being found out-of-area

• unexplained acquisition of money, clothes, or mobile phones

• excessive receipt of texts / phone calls and/or having multiple handsets

• relationships with controlling / older individuals or groups

• leaving home / care without explanation

• suspicion of physical assault / unexplained injuries

• parental concerns

• carrying weapons

• significant decline in school results / performance

• gang association or isolation from peers or social networks

• self-harm or significant changes in emotional well-being.

What are County Lines, and who can be targeted? See our article giving full information on County Lines, what they are, and who could be targeted by these criminal gangs.

What can you do as a parent?

It is important to remember that you are not to blame, criminal groups exploit the young, the vulnerable and those that are within easy reach. No matter how confident or secure you may feel the child in your care is, the group will present themselves as whatever is missing, or with what the child wants or feels that they need. However, once they have them, often their treatment of your child will change to coercion, bullying and exploitation.

It’s important to remember that the child is just as much a victim and there are things you can do to help stop your child from being involved or to help them get out.

Here are some helpful tips:

¨ Talk to your child and listen – you are looking for open, honest and non-judgemental communication without anger

¨ Encourage them to get involved in positive activities and to think about their future and employment

¨ Get involved in your child’s school activities

¨ Know your child’s friends and their families

¨ Always know where your child is and who they are with

¨ Help them to cope with pressure and how to deal with conflict without the use of violence

¨ Speak to them about the serious consequences of violent or illegal behaviour

¨ Help them to understand the dangers of being in a gang and find alternative constructive ways to use their time

¨ Keep lines of communication open

¨ Be aware of what your child is doing on the internet

¨ Look for ways of disciplining children that do not involve harshness, anger or violence

¨ Work with other parents and schools to watch their behaviour

¨ Talk about your child’s behaviour with their school and other parents

What can you do to help your child?

If you suspect your child is already involved, remember that they may not want to talk about it or may be scared. It is important that they know you want to listen and support them. Make sure they know they have a choice. Stay calm, ask questions, but listen too. Don’t be afraid of confrontation, but try not to approach them with anger and accusations. Try to understand the situation from their point of view and why they have joined the gang. Ask them what you can do to help. Try to agree on what they should do next. Work with them to find solutions and choices.

What will happen if you report your child?

If you are concerned that your child is being exploited or is at risk of being exploited by gangs then you can refer in for support and guidance.

Southend-on-Sea Borough Council Children’s Services Department have a specialist team that can provide education, guidance and support and we treat this all children as victims first.

Who can you call?

If you wish to tell us something then you can contact us on the below email address:

Email: [email protected]

If you have a safeguarding concern, then a referral can be made to the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub:

Email: [email protected]

Tele: 01702 215007

A new hotline number – 01245 452058 

If you are worried, please call us. You will not be wasting our time. A team of Essex Police officers and staff are on standby to listen, help and offer advice. The line is open Monday to Friday 08:00-16:00 with a voicemail facility outside of these hours.

If you need to report a crime then please ring the Police on 101 and in an emergency call 999.