Rutland's MP backs our #LookCloser campaign
We have been investigating "county lines" across the area
The MP for Rutland and Melton has given her backing to Greatest Hits Radio's #LookCloser campaign.
We have been investigating "county lines" where drug dealers look to find new markets to sell illegal substances outside their home county.
In many cases, young people are used to carry Class A drugs and cash into these areas, controlled by physical, emotional and even sexual violence.
Alicia Kearns told us why she think our #LookCloser campaign is important:
"County lines are everywhere in our country, even in wonderful places like Rutland.
"The way in which criminals are able to make county lines successful, is by not having good awareness of what it looks like when someone is a victim of county lines, what it looks like when someone is being cuckooed or used in some ways to help them secure such their needs and get the drugs that they want across the country.
"I'm hoping that through your campaign people look out even more for their neighbours than they already do and if they see something that doesn't feel quite right that they contact police.
"With county lines, like every single crime, trust your gut.
"If you think there's something not quite right, if something in your heart doesn't quite sit right that you've seen, please speak to the police."
She went on to say that one county line is too many:
"When we talk about county lines, what we're talking about is dangerous drugs that take lives, cost people's mental health.
"We're talking about children being trafficked.
"We're talking about older people being cuckooed and abused within their own home and trapped within their own home so that people can do drugs.
"This is the very worst of criminality."
Alicia has also told Greatest Hits Radio about what she is going to do to help authorities tackle county lines in Rutland:
"I will continue to push for tougher sentences, I will continue to push for more resources.
"I want more police officers for Rutland, I want more police vehicles for Rutland.
"This also comes into my entire focus on making sure that rural crime is recognised as organised crime.
"Those who do county lines, they don't limit themselves just to drugs.
"There are other things they do within our communities.
"I want that recognised and I want the resources from government to tackle that."
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.