Norfolk MPs support more action on County Lines following #LookCloser
Chloe Smith MP and Brandon Lewis MP say police forces and MPs across the country must continue to work together on the issue.
MPs across Norfolk say a national approach is vital to tackling County Lines drug dealing.
It comes as #LookCloser, our week-long investigation into the illegal business, draws to an end.
Brandon Lewis, the MP for Great Yarmouth and Secretary of State for Northern Ireland told us the Government and local authorities are taking steps to stamp out the issue: "I know from my regular work with our Police here in Norfolk, that they take every step to tackle this menace.
"Nationally, the Government have invested funding for the national county lines co-ordination centre, to enable better co-ordination for Police Forces across the country".
Chloe Smith, MP for Norwich North told us the violence associated with these criminal gangs is especially worrying: "We've all been shocked by some reports of knife crime in the city over the last few years.
"There have been a number of high profile cases of that in North Norwich, that really worry me. It's that kind of violence that really makes me anxious, I don't want our young people to be caught up in that."
She went on to say that Parliament has a key role to play in tackling this: "There are things that we can work together in Parliament to do, because the very nature of this is that it goes across cities, from Norwich to London and other cities are also involved".
"That's why its important to have that national link up which is where, as a member of Parliament I want to be support Norfolk Police in working with others across the country and others in tackling this".
Ms Smith concluded by saying that she fully supports our #LookCloser investigation and what it's trying to achieve: "I think it is very important to make sure people are aware of the impact of County Lines and the terrible things that can sit behind the buying of drugs or the violence that's involved in this line of crime.
"So, I'm really glad that you're running this campaign and would urge everybody to support your investigations, this week".
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.