COUNTY LINES – KNOW THE SIGNS

Good morning,

Have you ever heard of County Lines? It's a term used when Organised Criminal Groups (OCGs) use mobile phones to traffic drugs from cities to rural or coastal areas. They often exploit vulnerable people — including children, those with mental health needs, or people experiencing addiction — to transport drugs and cash.

🔍 Signs to Look Out For

✔️ 🚶‍♂️ A young person missing from home or school, or found far from where they live

✔️ 💵 Unexplained money, new clothes, or multiple phones/devices

✔️ 📲 Constant texts or calls, secrecy around contacts

✔️ 📉 Sudden drop in school or work performance

✔️ 😔 Changes in mood, behaviour, or physical appearance

🌐 Social Media Risks

💬 Grooming through DMs, stories and posts

📢 Posts advertising “workers” or “runners”

💰 Promises of “fast cash”, leading to debt bondage

🔤 Common emojis linked to drugs:

❄ = Cocaine

🎱 = Eighth of an ounce

🚀 = High purity

💸 = Fast-cash scams

🏠 Signs of Cuckooing

👥 Increased visitors at unusual times

🔄 Changes in routine or behaviour of the occupant

👃 Strange or strong smells

🚗 Vehicles repeatedly visiting or parked outside

📞 How to Report Concerns

🚨 Emergency: Call 999

📞 Non‑emergency: Call 101 or report online

🙈 Anonymous: Crimestoppers 0800 555 111

🤝 Support Services

Catch22 - Supports children and young people at risk of or experiencing Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE).

National Crime Agency – Information on County Lines operations and signs of exploitation.

Safe4Me - Resources on Child Criminal & Sexual Exploitation, trauma, rights, the law, and national support options.

Safeguarding Network - Guidance on recognising indicators of exploitation and risk factors.

NSPCC - Advice on apps, platforms, and online safety for children

If you have concerns that a loved one, family friend, neighbour or even yourself are involved in County Lines please get in touch. You can do so by calling 101, the Staffordshire Police website or anonymously via CrimeStoppers. A young person in education can also reach out to school staff. 

Thank you,

Chad Carrington