Summer holidays could be perfect time for drug dealers to recruit Essex children
Parents are being encouraged to talk to their kids about the dangers
There are worries county lines drugs gangs in Essex could recruit more children over the summer holidays.
Parents are being encouraged to 'stay curious' about where their kids are this summer.
That's because those running drug lines in Essex want children who can easily move around their community and when they're out and about during the summer break, that's a chance for dealers to recruit.
The area's Police and Crime Commissioner's office say it's all about having chats with young people, to make sure they're aware of the dangers.
The signs that someone could be involved with County Lines are the new, unexplained possessions, not just things like jewellery, trainers, and phones, but online commodities such as game currency or in game gifts which can suggest online exploitation; new ‘friends’ mentioned, children going out all day but being vague about their whereabouts, a change in behaviour – more secretive and distant.
Essex's PCC recently undertook some research that shows for 88% of young people across Essex someone always knows their whereabouts; 92% say being happy at home is important to them and 68% say their parents have the greatest influence on them.
A generation of young Essex children whose top four aspirations are to have good friends, be happy at home, do well at school and be happy at school.
The office said:
"This research suggests young people across the county want to do well and please those they care about.
"Therefore parents should be encouraged that they can have conversations with their children about difficult subjects like County Lines as they do play an influential role in their child’s life."
Around 80% of young people surveyed weren’t aware of County Lines taking place in their area which opens up the space for conversations to ensure they, as well as their parents, know how to spot the signs and keep themselves and their friends safe. Visit www.essexcountylines.co.uk for more info.
Across Essex, Southend On Sea Borough Council, Essex County Council, Thurrock Council, Essex Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner and Essex Police are working hard this summer to clamp down on drug gangs and antisocial behaviour associated with drugs and violence. Using enforcement, education and intervention in hotspots across the County the message is clear that criminal activity won’t be tolerated in Essex.