"Once I let them in, everything changed" - Norfolk's victims of County Lines gangs
Those with learning difficulties, mental health issues and a history of addiction have been routinely targeted by these criminal gangs.
Last updated 19th Oct 2021
All this week we're investigating how so called county lines gangs are exploiting vulnerable people in Norfolk.
We spoke to somebody in Norwich, who'd be cuckooed by one of these criminal groups.
It's a practice where gangs take over somebody’s home and use it as a base for their operations.
He told us how letting these people into his life, changed it forever.
He said how prior to meeting them he'd dabbled a bit with drugs but hadn't done anything too serious.
He added how quite quickly their relationship became quite abusive and they started to steal things from him.
He said: "Honestly I've been hooked on some really serious stuff ever since and quite frankly, I don't care if I OD.
"I just want to get out of here because, I'm scared to go out. Them lot from London have gone sure, but what if they come back".
Where can you get support?
How can you spot the signs of county lines abuse?
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.