Norfolk urged to look out for drug gangs trying to recruit young people
Our #LookCloser investigation has found that children as young as seven are being used as drug mules in the UK.
Last updated 20th Oct 2021
People across Norfolk are being urged to look out for signs that young people are being groomed into drug dealing..
It's after we revealed as part of our #LookCloser investigation that children as young as seven are being used as drug mules.
More than 240 children under the age of 18 have been lured into trafficking in the East of England since 2017.
A further 1240 children getting involved with gang activity.
UK Data shows that the 'key indicators' of county lines taking place in Norfolk are people going missing, trafficking and the number of gangs has increased.
In 2020, 287 people went missing, 17 were known to have been trafficked and there were 116 known criminal gangs.
Kelly Jones from charity St Giles Eastern, based in Norwich, told us that sudden changes can be a tell-tale sign: "As well as becoming more distant and more withdrawn from people they normally engage with.
"They can also go the other way, we have seen young people that have been quite disruptive at school become quite interactive. This because they were told to act like everything is okay and being instructed not to draw attention".
Nicole Chilvers from Change, Live, Grow Norfolk, a health and social care charity says unusual and unexplained behaviour, purchases and changes in mood are things to keep an eye on.
"Look out for people who are skipping school more often, or who in the possession of items they normally wouldn't have the funds for, like trainers, mobile phones, jewellery".
"Other signs to watch out for are, being away from home more often than usual, changes in mood or unexplained injuries. Children and adults being exploited are likely to withdraw from their unusual support networks, in fear of being found out".
Kelly Jones from St Giles Eastern, based in Norwich, told us that early intervention is vital: "It's important to have those frank and open discussions are much as possible. Even if you can't have those conversations with that child yourself.
"There may be somebody else, a teacher or sports-teacher that they particularly have a good relationship with that they could talk to. They might be the one that's able to say, I've noticed a change, I'm very worried. Can we all come together to keep this person safe".
What are 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.