Wiltshire people urged to 'spot the sign of County Lines'
A campaign's been launched by the Crimestoppers charity here
People across Wiltshire are being to 'spot the signs of County Lines', with the aim of preventing young people from falling into the wrong groups.
Charity Crimestoppers, and their Fearless youth service have launched a campaign, calling on all of us to look out for the possibility of teenagers getting involved.
They're also reminding us that County Lines drug dealing crimes can be reported to them 1005 anonymously.
The charity's said it's an increasing problem here, which leads to the exploitation of young people and vulnerable adults.
A training package on County Lines is also being rolled out for taxi drivers in Swindon and Wiltshire, to help them spot someone who might be involved and in need of support.
The campaign highlights how organised criminal gangs target people to find out their vulnerabilities.
A lifestyle is then sold before loyalty is tested, often through asking for favours and offering a sense of protection, in return for couriering illegal drugs and money across cities, towns and villages, known as County Lines.
Sadly, these relationships soon turn violent, leading to those exploited being trapped through debt bondage, trafficking, isolation from family and friends and physical, psychological and sexual abuse.
Beth Simpson, Crimestoppers Regional Manager said:
“We know that drug gangs use violence and intimidation to coerce individuals to do what they want them to do. This level of exploitation often leads to people feeling that they have become trapped and they often do not know how to get out.
“We are asking the public to remain vigilant to the signs of grooming and the three grooming stages of targeting, testing and trapping. We are also appealing to everyone to help protect vulnerable members in our community from County Lines activity by speaking up about your concerns to the authorities.
“Information can be passed to Crimestoppers or Fearless for young people, which are independent of the police, at any time, by calling 0800 555 111 or by completing a safe and secure anonymous online from at Crimestoppers-uk.org or Fearless.org, 100% anonymously without fear of any repercussions. Our charity has always kept its promise of anonymity to everyone who contacts us.”