Children taught dangers of County Lines through engaging comic book
North Yorkshire author Christina Gabbitas led a talk at Coppice Valley Primary to show them how easy it is to fall victim to County Lines gangs
Children at a Harrogate primary school have been learning about how County Lines drugs gangs operate and how to avoid getting targeted.
The storybook and animation No More Knives or County Lines was read to students at Coppice Valley Primary School to show them how criminals befriend children and give them expensive gifts before asking them to deliver drugs.
No More Knives of County Lines is a children's story and animation by North Yorkshire author Christina Gabbitas created to educate young people on the dangers of County Lines drug dealing and carrying weapons.
It features a groups of friends who are groomed and lured into delivering packages to various areas, using rail and taxis and their own dedicated phone lines; Jamie, one of the characters, regrets picking up a knife for protection.
READ MORE: We caught up with a young person currently involved in County Lines dealing
Ten-year-old Alfie from Coppice Valley Primary sat in the talk. He said he was "surprised" to learn that people under 18 can't buy knives from a supermarket.
He said: "At the start of the story they were really excited to get some gifts and to earn some money but when they got to do the job they were actually quite nervous and scared. One of them picked up a knife to protect himself but it just put him in more danger.
"We learnt to not carry the knives and to not threaten people. We also learnt to not do that type of job and to stay away from people who offer you drugs or that kind of work."
Students at Coppice Valley Primary in Harrogate took part in the County Lines talk:
Year Six pupil Ellie also took part in the talk. She said: "I think it's important because we're at that sort of age where we think things are better and we're more likely to say yes to something.
"If someone asked me to do this I would say 'No, go away' or just ignore them. But I'd make sure that I stay a distance away and that they're not following me."
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: How North Yorkshire's rail network is used to transport drugs
North Yorkshire author Christina Gabbitas wrote the book in partnership with Humberside Police and the Police and Crime Commissioners Office in Humberside to help educate children aged 10-16 on the dangers of getting involved with county lines and carrying knives.
She said: "The drug dealer in this group grooms the young people into delivering drugs packages to different areas with promises of money and presents and professes to be their friend.
"The whole purpose is to try and educate young people that this can happen to anyone. It's to get the message across that they are being used. They're not their friends and they can ruin people's lives. We don't want our children to fall victim to these criminals.
"Children are more likely to read something if it's illustrated because it's more engaging which is why I wanted to turn it into a comic book strip and an animation. I think the more we can educate, the better chance we have at identifying and tackling the problem."
WATCH the animation of No More Knives or County Lines by Christina Gabbitas
READ MORE: Detective Superintendent leading on County Lines in North Yorkshire
Jessica Mogg, Year Six teacher at Coppice Valley Primary School, said: "These terminology like grooming and county lines can seem overwhelming for a child this young but it is important they know what these mean.
"It's so the children feel comfortable enough to talk about it and how to react themselves if they are approached by someone.
"It's important for them to not see 'stranger danger' as a man in a van, that kind of stereotype, but that it could also be someone who is their own age or a teenager trying to befriend them."
READ our first instalment of our County Lines news special from earlier this year
Lorraine Crossman Smith, Chief Inspector at North Yorkshire Police, was also present at the talk. She said:
“Although North Yorkshire is one of the safest places to live, we still see children and young people exploited into county lines.”
“Education at an early stage is crucial to steer children away from falling into a criminal lifestyle. I attended one of Christina’s sessions and found it encouraging to see some of the key messages landing with the children. I would like to thank Christina for her help in delivering the session.”
“The week of intensification was about disrupting drug dealing and the supply of drugs in North Yorkshire. Education plays a key part in that and I am pleased that we have been running these sessions at the same time as the proactive work.”
How to spot County Lines:
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.