Vulnerable adults being used by gangs to move drugs across the country

Police forces across the North West have united to raise awareness of the issue of 'County Lines', where drugs gangs use children and vulnerable adults to transport drugs across the country.

In the six months leading up to 2018, Crimestoppers received 8,208 anonymous tip-offs from the public about drug trafficking and supply in the North West.

The County Lines gangs tend to set up a base in a rural area for a short time, taking over the home of a vulnerable person, then use both adults and children to act as drug runners.

The Police are now asking for help to crackdown on the issue, calling on members of the public to look out for signs children and vulnerable adults could be in danger.

The victims are usually recruited using intimidation, deception, violence, debt bondage or grooming.

Officers staged a series of performances in Liverpool over the weekend, to show some of the real-life situations they encountered in the work to deal with the problem.

Assistant Chief Constable Alan Barr, head of TITAN, said: "This event will be an interactive and impact way to highlight the issue of County Lines to the people of Merseyside, and how to spot the possible signs that someone you know is at risk of being criminally exploited.

"The issue of County Lines is becoming widespread across the region and further afield and by working alongside all communities, forces and partners, we want to educate parents, teachers, carers and mental health professionals about how to identify some of the warning signs that vulnerable young people and adults are being used to deliver drugs and the ways you can report it to relevant agencies."

Officers say signs to look out for include children going missing, or being absent from school, meeting new friends their parents don't know, experimenting with drugs, having more than one mobile phone or appearing nervous, scared, evasive or secretive.

If people suspect it is happening where they live, they are being urged to pick up the phone and call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.