How Airbnb owners are helping to bring down drugs gangs in Cornwall and Devon
Devon & Cornwall Police are working with hosts to fight County Lines
Last updated 20th Oct 2021
Police are trying to stop criminal gangs exploiting the growing number of Airbnbs in Devon and Cornwall, after some were used as part of drug networks.
This week, as part of our #LookCloser investigation, we are looking at the impact of County Lines drug gangs and what is being done to stop them locally.
Devon and Cornwall Police believe there are currently 20 operating in the force area and they are working with Airbnb hosts to help them spot the warning signs.
At the start of this year a couple were jailed for masterminding a drugs network across Torquay, Plymouth and Penzance.
The court heard they spent £3,000 on West County Airbnb stays over a four month period, often trashing the places where they stayed.
Police have long worked with hotels and B&Bs to encourage staff to report suspicions of County Lines, often leading to vital information.
They are also working with The Children's Society to raise awareness about criminal activity.
Tryst Fentem, a specialist problem solver with Devon & Cornwall Police, said: "The scale of the company (Airbnb) is massive and that isn't a bad thing because what that means for us and our messaging is the reach of our messaging; the reach of this campaign is significant.
"We don't think it will just stop at the host, the host will also speak to their neighbour, their friends regarding this campaign material".
Read More:
Children as young as SEVEN exploited by drugs gangs
15-20 County Lines drugs gangs operating across Cornwall and Devon
Look Closer: Would you know if your child was being groomed by a drug gang?