Police urge Nottingham taxi drivers to help them spot the signs of County Lines crime
Officers have shared the tell-tale signs of child exploitation used by the gangs
Last updated 24th May 2021
Nottinghamshire Police officers are hoping local taxi drivers can help them spot vulnerable children who are being exploited by criminal drug county lines gangs.
"County lines" is a term used to describe gangs supplying drugs to other parts of the UK using dedicated mobile phone lines. The gangs are likely to exploit children or vulnerable adults to move and store drugs.
The key signs that drivers will be on the look out for include young people traveling alone or at unusual times and young passengers who take long journeys and pay in cash.
Officers visited Nottingham taxi firm DG Cars, Toby Metcalf, their digital marketing manager said: "Opportunities to help the police in any way possible to tackle county line activity across Nottinghamshire is so crucial.
"We have a great chance in supporting young people and signposting them to any support services or charities that can help them as we know they use taxis to travel across the county.
"Our drivers are well versed in spotting the signs and assisting the police. There are some real tell-tale signs to look out for including seeing vulnerable children travelling alone or during school hours.
"We know young people often use taxis to travel from the city and county so it's vital we help in any way we can.
"Following a visit from police officers this week drivers now have a better understanding on where to report their worries.
"We already work closely with the force and we will continue to report anything suspicious to them to help with their work."
Detective Inspector Paul Lefford from the force's dedicated County Lines team said: "Vulnerable children or young people often use taxis or private hire vehicles to transport drugs or money after being exploited by gangs involved in drug crime.
"We've spent time engaging and ensuring that taxi firms across Nottinghamshire are well aware of how to spot the signs of this type of crime. We regularly work with the firms and other transport companies to help those vulnerable involved.
"County Line gangs use children to courier drugs across the county so it's important that drivers can see when children are travelling alone during unusual hours. Other signs to spot is that passengers might not have a local accent or seem unfamiliar with the local area."