EXCLUSIVE: Weymouth Police take us behind the scenes during day of action against County Lines gangs
Dorset Police have closed down dozens of drugs lines into the county in the last three years
Last updated 21st Oct 2021
Targeting drug dealers in Weymouth is not all about battering rams and raids, far from it.
As part of our Look Closer Investigation, Greatest Hits Radio Dorset has joined Weymouth Police for a behind the scenes look at a day of action cutting the ties of County Lines drug dealing in Dorset.
Due to the sensitive nature of the day of action our reporter was asked not to film or take pictures of the places officers visited.
What is County Lines?
County Lines drug dealing is the name given to dealers who send their product to other parts of the country to evade police.
The tactics they use exploit the most vulnerable members of society, like those trapped in addiction.
Dealers often coerce their way into people's homes, only to make it their own base of operations.
Heroine and Crack Cocaine are the most popular drugs in Dorset.
But in the last three years Dorset Police have cut the ties of dozens of gangs to the area, seizing £482,000 worth of drugs and £120,000 cash.
They've also seized around 125 weapons.
George Sharpe takes us though his day with Police in Weymouth
It's not like what you see in the movies - our days starts with a short intelligence briefing where police discuss the comings and going of known dealers in the county. Then, instead of heading straight out to chase them down we stop in on vulnerable people in the area.
Prevention is the preferred option for tackling drug crime, I'm told by Sergeant Andy Jenkins.
These quick checks are done to check on the welfare of people who have previously been cuckooed to make sure their homes aren't being used for drugs once more.
The people we speak to have very little inside their homes and are dealing with the long term impacts of drug use.
One man told us his problems started when someone texted him, asking if he would put up a friend for a couple of days. That turned into months of terror as drug dealers used his home to sell drugs.
Another who has managed to separate herself from drug dealers told us:
"They prey on your weakness, which in my case was the drugs, then they come round, then they'll give you a couple of bits for staying then they just stay in all the time and you're running around which then outs yourself at risk."
She says she felt completely powerless to tell the police what was going on, "Snitches get stitches", she says.
Now she's cut ties with the dealers she was very proud to tell police she's up to date on her bills finally.
These checks go a long way to keep drug dealers from setting down roots once more in the county once they've been ousted.
Sergeant Andy Jenkins said:
"Quite often County Lines will come in, take that persons property over, they will force them to go out and sell the drugs on the street for them.
"County Lines won't just stop with adults either, they will use children either from the importing city, such as London or Liverpool, but also we've seen local children as well being exploited.
"We've gone round and done what we call a cuckooing check. The idea of our checks is A) to make sure those people haven't returned and also ensure the person that's living there is receiving the right level of support and is not receiving any further threats.
"What you've got to bear in mind is we're looking at the people upstream of this activity. Whilst we will do everything we can to prevent the exploitation that's happening here in Dorset, what we're really wanting to do is take that County Line at the very top."
How can I help?
Knowing the signs of County Lines can help police check in with people before drug dealers become deeply rooted in a community.
What are the signs that children are being exploited?
There are a number of signs which may help reveal whether a child is being exploited by County Lines drugs gangs. It is up to the public and campaigns like #LookCloser to identify these signs and help protect children at risk.
Children looking anxious or lost
Children travelling alone frequently, either at night or during school hours, is one sign to look out for. Children that are being exploited may appear lost or unfamiliar with their surroundings. Appearing anxious, frightened and angry is also an indicator.
Carrying two phones
Being in possession of more than one phone is an indicator that children may be contacting the individuals or groups that are exploiting them.
Carrying lots of cash
Carrying large sums of money is another sign to look out for when worried that a child is being exploited.
Being under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Children involved with County Lines drugs gangs could be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Being controlled by others
Being instructed or controlled by another individual, or being accompanied by people that are older than them, is another sign that a child may be being exploited.
Begging for money
Children that are begging in a public space is another indicator.
Where to spot children being exploited by County Lines gangs
It's important to know where children that are being exploited might be found. Buses, trains, trams and other forms of public transport are used to move children. Food outlets or roadside services may be used for children to stock up on amenities. Hotels, salons and car washes may be places where exploitation happens 'behind closed doors'.
Will there be exploited children near me?
There's a chance you might come across a child being exploited when at your place of work. They may be found in banks when moving money between accounts.
Taxis and private hire vehicles may be used by children when in contact with those who are exploiting them; it's important for taxi drivers to not ignore concerning phone conversations.
Takeaway and delivery drivers who visit residential areas and travel through public spaces may have the opportunity to identify a household in which children are being exploited. Retail workers may come into contact with children that are stealing items or begging for money, which are also signifiers.
Hotels, caravan parks and rented accommodation are used to abuse and exploit children. Workers should keep an eye out for young people checking in with adults that do not appear to be their parents.
The signs of cuckooing include:
• A neighbour has not been seen for a while
• Unknown or suspicious looking people coming and going from a neighbour’s house at odd times of the day or night
• Suspicious vehicles parked outside a house
• Children cannot consent to being exploited
What are the warning signs people should look out for?
For a child or young person possible signs of county lines exploitation are:
• Going missing from school or home
• Significant changes in emotional well-being
• Meeting unfamiliar people
• Changes in their behaviour
• Use of drugs and alcohol
• Acquiring money or expensive gifts they can’t account for
• Relationships with controlling or older individuals or associated with gangs
• Suspicion of self-harm, physical assault or unexplained injuries
• Lone children travelling long distances
• Having multiple mobile phones or tablets or ‘SIM cards’
• Having money, expensive clothing, or accessories that they can’t account for