"If we grow complacent about County Lines then we're setting our children up to fail"
The message from Lincolnshire Police as we continue our Look Closer campaign
Last updated 21st Oct 2021
Lincolnshire Police says if we grow complacent about county lines then we're setting our children up to fail.
This week we've been looking into the crime which see's young and vulnerable people used to move drugs across the country.
We've seen figures that show cases of children going missing, being trafficked, or getting caught up in gangs is on the increase, all signs that County Lines is happening right here.
Detective Inspector Gail Hurley said it's on the rise here.
"Lincolnshire on the whole is a very safe place to live and we’re very fortunate to live in Lincolnshire.
"Our crime rates, we don’t see as high as some of the metropolitan cities and the more built-up areas.
"But I think if we think that we don’t have a county lines problem, then we’re very naïve."
She said county lines is everywhere.
"To say what scale is it on, well we only know what scale it’s on when we actually know what’s happening and I have to say, we can’t say exactly what’s happening at the minute, that’s still an evolving picture.
"I think we have to be very mindful of it, we have to be very, very careful of it and if we think that we’re only a small place and we don’t have a lot of crime and therefore we don’t have any county lines problems, then we just set our young people up to fail."
What if I'm worried about a young person?
- People should report any concerns to the police on 101.
- If on a train text British Transport Police on 61016.
- Dial 999 if there is an immediate risk to a child.
- Alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously online or call their helpline on 0800 555111.
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.