County Lines Awareness week

You may be asking. What even are County Lines? County Lines’ is a word used when drug gangs from big cities expand their operations to smaller towns. The gangs often use violence to drive out other dealers and exploit children and vulnerable people to sell drugs.

These dealers will use dedicated mobile phone lines, known as ‘deal lines’, to take orders from drug users.

The gang leaders detach themselves from direct responsibility by using drug runners, for example (exploited young people) to transport the drugs and collect payment.

Exploitation

A common part in county lines drug supply is the exploitation of young and vulnerable people.
The dealers will frequently target children and adults to act as drug runners or move cash so they can stay under the radar.

In some cases, the dealers will take over a local property, normally belonging to a vulnerable person, and use it to operate from. This is known as cuckooing.

Young people exploited will quite often be exposed to physical, mental and sexual abuse, and can be trafficked to areas a long way from home as part of the network’s drug dealing business.

Children and young people often don’t see themselves as victims or realise they have been groomed to get involved in county lines.

It’s important to understand county lines, know the signs and speak out if you are worried about yourself or someone you know.

Know the signs

• Becoming more secretive

• Frequently missing from school or home.

• Being found out of the area.

• Returning home late.

• Late to school.

• Changes in friendship groups.

• Mixing with older men or women.

• Talking about people giving free food, alcohol and cigarettes.

• Having more than one mobile phone or many SIM cards.

• Unexplained amounts of money, mobile phones and credit, clothing, jewellery, new haircuts or other items and gifts.

• Receiving excessive calls or messages from unknown adults or friends.

• Getting picked up or dropped off in cars by unknown people.

• Having a new bike, train/bus ticket.

• Talking about going to new places

What can I do if I’m worried about myself or a friend?
Trust your instincts! Speak out to an adult you trust.

Who do you call for help?

If you are worried you or your friend may be involved in County Lines or involved in crime and worried about how to get out of it help is available for you.

You should report it to the Wirral Central Advice and Duty Team

0151 606 2008 9.00am-5.00pm Monday to Friday.

Outside of these hours please call 0151 677 6557. In an emergency always dial 999.

E-mail: IFD@wirral.gov.uk

In an emergency always call the police on 999.

Childline Free, confidential advice anytime, whatever your worry, whenever you need help. 0800 1111 childline.org.uk

NSPCC If you're worried about a child, even if you're unsure, contact our professional counsellors for help, advice and support. 0808 800 5000 nspcc.org.uk