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We’re offering advice to help members of the public spot the signs of county lines drug dealing to help protect those most vulnerable to exploitation in Staffordshire. Criminal gangs often target young people and use them to carry or distribute drugs, normally outside of the area they live in. As the drugs cross county boundaries, this type of activity is called county lines and is a form of child criminal exploitation (CCE). A county line is often run by organised crime groups (OCGs) that are usually associated with violence, drug dealing, exploitation and wider criminality. Signs that a young person could be caught up in county lines drug dealing include: They repeatedly go missing from school or home and are often found in other areas They have money, new clothes or electronic devices and can't explain how they paid for them They get lots of texts or phone calls and are secretive about who they're speaking to Their school or work performance declines They display significant changes in emotional or physical well-being. County Lines dealers also often convince vulnerable older people to let their home be used for drug dealing by giving them free drugs, or offering to pay for food or utilities. Often OCGs target people who are lonely, isolated, or have addiction issues. It's common for OCGs to use a property for a short amount of time, moving address frequently to reduce the chance of being caught. This is called cuckooing and there are several signs to look out for that may indicate someone is a victim: Frequent visitors at unsociable hours Changes in your neighbour’s daily routine Unusual smells coming from a property Suspicious or unfamiliar vehicles outside an address. Superintendent Victoria Downing said: “This type of drug-related activity has no place in our communities and the public hold the key to helping us tackle it. "Information from witnesses and local communities is vital if we are to obtain the evidence needed to arrest and prosecute offenders, who prey on vulnerable people for their own financial gain.” If you have concerns about county lines, call us on 101, or 999 in an emergency. You can also use the Live Chat service on our website. If you’d rather stay anonymous you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. You can also get in touch with local support organisations, such as Catch22. The organisation works with children and young people who are at risk of, or are experiencing CCE. They offer support and interventions to children, young people and their parents and siblings. Visit www.catch-22.org.uk, or call 07834 341601. | ||||
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