Cleveland Police to feature in new campaign tackling County Lines crime
Cleveland Police will be the focus of a new campaign - aimed at ending County Lines drugs gangs targeting vulnerable people here
Cleveland Police will be the focus of a new campaign - aimed at ending County Lines drugs gangs targeting vulnerable people here.
The charity Crimestoppers and its youth service Fearless have launched a new campaign throughout Teesside offering signs to look out for of County Lines exploitation and providing a way to report it 100% anonymously.
County Lines drug gangs are an increasing problem, which leads to the exploitation of young people and vulnerable adults. Often, the public or friends and families of those drawn into County Lines, are unaware what the signs of exploitation by criminal gangs looks like.
The campaign will highlight 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.
Fleur Brown, North East Regional Manager at the charity Crimestoppers, said:
“We know that drug gangs use violence and intimidation to coerce young and vulnerable people. This level of exploitation often leads to people feeling that they are trapped and cannot get out.
“We are asking the public to remain vigilant to the signs of grooming such as someone having large amounts of money on them, or lots of new items such as clothes, vapes, jewellery or phones, especially if they couldn’t afford it.
“We are also appealing to everyone to help protect vulnerable members in our community from County Lines activity by speaking up and sharing your concerns. Call 0800 555 111 or complete a safe and secure online form anonymously at Crimestoppers-uk.org or via Fearless.org. Our charity has always kept its promise of anonymity to everyone who contacts us.”