What is 'County Lines' and What Signs Do You Look For?
Children as young as seven are being put in danger by criminals who are taking advantage of innocence. Any child can be exploited, no matter their background.
Criminal exploitation is also known as 'county lines' and is when gangs and organised crime networks groom and exploit children to sell drugs. Often these children are made to travel across counties, and they use dedicated mobile phone ‘lines’ to supply drugs.
No one really knows how many young people across the country are being forced to take part, but The Children’s Commissioner estimates there are at least 46,000 children in England who are involved in gang activity. It is estimated that around 4,000
teenagers in London alone are being exploited through child criminal exploitation, or 'county lines'.
Tragically the young people exploited through 'county lines' can often be treated as criminals themselves.
Children and young people who take part are often seen as criminals rather than victims. Gangs deliberately target vulnerable groups promising a better lifestyle, money, food and/or drugs in return for their co-operation and commitment.
Sadly, young people often see gang members as the only people that care for them and support them.
The reality is that the gangs will often use coercion, intimidation, violence (including sexual violence) and weapons.
Young girls are often groomed and forced into relationships with gang members and are made to perform sexual acts.
Do you recognise any of these words?
Here are some words/terms that are commonly used when describing county lines activity. If you hear someone using these words then they might be involved in or might know of county lines activity.
CUCKOOING
Cuckooing is when drug gangs take over the home of a vulnerable person through violence and intimidation, using it as their base for selling/manufacturing drugs.
Signs:
An increase in people coming and going
An increase in cars or bikes outside
Litter outside
Signs of drugs use
You haven’t seen the person who lives there recently or when you have, they have been anxious or distracted.
GOING COUNTRY
This is the most popular term that describes county lines activity. It can also mean the act of travelling to another city/town to deliver drugs or money.
TRAPPING
The act of selling drugs. Trapping can refer to the act of moving drugs from one town to another or the act of selling drugs in one.
TRAP HOUSE
A building used as a base from where drugs are sold (or sometimes manufactured). These houses usually are occupied by someone (usually adult drug users but sometimes young people are forced to stay in trap houses) location.
TRAP LINE
This refers to when someone owns a mobile phone specifically for the purpose of running and selling drugs.
"I’m concerned about my teenager, what other signs might there be?"
Other signs that indicate involvement might include;
Going missing from school or their home
Travelling alone to places far away from home
More money and/or secret or new phones.
Receiving much more calls or texts than usual
Carrying weapons or know people that have access to weapons
Being in a relationship with or hanging out with someone/people that are older and appear to be controlling.
Unexplained injuries
Seemingly very reserved
Acting scared or anxious
Self Harming
If you or anyone you know related to this article and feel that you need to talk, please contact us at admin@hertsschoolsoutreach.org.uk or similarly please contact the following charities;
Together we can prevent exploitation and save the lives of young people.
Peace and Love to you All,
Michaela Johnson