Norfolk Police arrest 12 as part of county lines crackdown
This week, services across the country took part in a national clampdown to disrupt and tackle the crime.
Last updated 21st Oct 2021
Twelve people in Norfolk, have been arrested in connection to county lines drug dealing, as part of a nationwide crackdown on the crime recently.
It's understood arrests took place in Norwich, Kings Lynn, Thetford and Horsford.
The action coincides with our #LookCloser investigation that revealed children as young as 7 years of age were being used as mules to smuggle drugs across the country.
But, Detective Chief Inspector Sonia Humphreys who's the county lines lead for the Norfolk Constabulary, told us there's still work to do:
"When we enforce against a line, close it and convict somebody, that reduces vulnerability in the community. The numbers are coming down but we're ever vigilant for new lines, so its not a case of well done we've succeed".
"In November 2019, we recorded 75 county lines here in Norfolk and we're now down into the twenties mark."
She insists its vital Norfolk Police continue to work with other forces across the country: "We work with forces to collaborative approach those people who are housed in their area and then enforce against them.
"We can't do it on our own, otherwise we're just picking off the tail end and that's somebody who's been pushed up into our county".
She told us they've adopted a dual approach with local authorities to tackle the problem: "We do what we can in regards to the enforcement side of things. But enforcement needs to focus on the supply coming in and public health and our other partners are very much about how to divert people away from drugs use in the first place. Or if they're involved in drug use what we can do to get them into treatment and recovery services"
"Various agencies came to us and said, if only we had the opportunity to...We couldn't wait to get going on it, because we all knew that there was something different that needed to be done. Rather than just constantly enforcing.
"When you look at enforcement as your only option, what you're doing is you're taking somebody who already has a rather chaotic lifestyle and just making it more chaotic for them".
She concluded by telling us that it's vital those affected are given the support they need: "We can see that perhaps only half of the people that have been involved in drug mis-use reach the criminal justice system so then there is a huge amount of people that perhaps havent been able to access treatment, either through stigma, shame or not being ready to do so. But have never come into the world of Policing or the criminal justice system".
How can you spot the signs of county lines exploitation?
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.