Boris Johnson: Young lives 'at risk of being ruined' by drugs gangs
#LookCloser: The Prime Minister responds to our County Lines investigation
Last updated 22nd Oct 2021
The Prime Minister has committed to tackling criminal gangs who exploit young people to deal drugs across the UK.
Boris Johnson's comments come after hearing about our exclusive investigation, which looked into so-called "County Lines" operations, where dealers target new areas to sell Class A drugs.
Often the dealers use children and vulnerable people to carry cash and substances, after grooming them with gifts or threatening them with violence.
Our investigation has found:
- Children as young as seven are being targeted by dealersNearly 750 children were identified as being caught up in County Lines activity in the first six months of 2021
- Big increases in children going missing, being exploited, and joining gangs across the country are "key indicators" County Lines is happening across the UK
- More than 2000 children working County Lines were identified by Police during a single week
- British Transport Police seized drugs, weapons, mobile phones and cash as part of a week-long crackdown on the road and rail network.
READ MORE: My 15-year-old was arrested 70 miles from home - a mum's story
Targeting County Lines "kingpins"
We asked the Prime Minister if he was committed to protecting young people, and to ensure that they were treated as victims of exploitation, and not just criminals.
He told us:
"There are people's lives who are at risk of being ruined by the gangs that conned them into taking part in their trade.
"They're getting sucked into the criminal justice system and we know how brutal that can be.
"For those kids, for those whose life could still go either way, you've got to give them alternatives, you got to give them the chance of progress in some other way.
The PM insisted the government did have a strategy to deal with County Lines gangs.
"The only thing you can do is come down incredibly hard on the kingpins. You arrest people, you arrest the hell out of them.
"You've got to put the steal around the cities and the towns that are being inflicted by the County Lines drug gangs and that's what we've been doing, but you want to offer hope to the kids as well."
On Thursday it was announced more than 130 so-called County Lines had been shut down by Police forces across the UK, as part of a week of action..
More than 2000 young people were identified as part of those operations, with work now underway to ensure they are safeguarded from gangs in the future.
READ MORE: What are the signs of County Lines?
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.
County Lines: The signs to look out for
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.