Look Closer: Sussex Police arrest 31 during week of action against county lines gangs
Over £9,000 worth of drugs has been taken of the streets of Sussex
Last updated 21st Oct 2021
A week of targeted action against county lines drug gangs by Sussex Police saw 31 people arrested, and more than £9,000 worth of drugs taken off the streets.
During the week of 11-17 of October, officers focused on disrupting the county lines, seizing the proceeds of their crimes and protecting vulnerable people used by the gangs.
The force also worked to crack down on 'cuckooing' across the county, a practice which sees gangs take over a vulnerable person's home to be used as a base of operations.
57 enhanced 'cuckoo' checks were made during the intensification week, resulting in more vulnerable people being identified and safeguarded.
"By the time they realise they're in it, they're trapped"
Educational visits and discussions with hotels and B&B's and with 83 taxi drivers were also held in Brighton, to talk about how to spot exploitation and report it as well as six awareness sessions at local schools.
In Brighton & Hove alone, arrests were made in connection with Class A drugs supply, and possession of offensive weapons including a samurai sword.
Following one of the raids in Hastings last week, Sergeant David Tritton from the East Sussex Tactical Enforcement Unit spoke to us.
He said: "Drugs has always been an issue for Hastings and it's an ever increasing one. It funds organised crime and tends to be used for the county lines type dealing, which goes right back into Child Exploitation. Generally it comes out of some of the larger cities, London and Manchester.
"Nobody wants to have drug dealing on their doorstep. The problem is you got all the users coming to the address and people hanging around. It just lowers the community feel and people have had enough of it around Hastings.
"But the biggest thing is the children get involved in it and the groups are starting to use children starting from the age of 12 upwards and it's really really damaging for them they miss their education and end up in the criminal justice system that's really not where they're supposed to be."
As part of our Look Closer campaign this week, we've been looking at the impact of county lines drug gangs on children across Sussex. Sergeant Tritton says if you're concerned about a child in your life, you need to let the force know.
He said: "We work closely with social services, the education authority, you can report stuff anonymously via crime stoppers and you can phone any police force using the 101 system.
You can watch Sussex Police officers execute one of their warrants at an address in Hastings last week down below.
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.