County Lines and Criminal Exploitation

County Lines and Criminal Exploitation: A Policing Response to Hidden Harm

County lines is a form of organised crime where gangs exploit children, young people, and vulnerable adults to move drugs, money, and weapons across regions. Victims are often coerced, threatened, or manipulated into criminal activity—sometimes trafficked far from home and forced to live in dangerous conditions.

This is not just a drug issue. It’s a safeguarding concern, a form of modern slavery, and a serious threat to public safety.

Our policing responsibilities include:

Why early reporting matters: The sooner exploitation is reported, the sooner we can intervene. Early action can prevent further harm, protect victims from deeper involvement, and help dismantle criminal networks before they expand. Delays in reporting often mean victims remain trapped, and evidence is lost.

Common signs of exploitation:

We urge the public to stay alert. Victims may not always look like victims. They may appear complicit, but behind the scenes, they are often controlled, threatened, and afraid.

County lines exploitation is a hidden harm—but we are committed to exposing it, preventing it, and protecting those affected. If you suspect it, report it. Your action could be the turning point in someone’s life.