North Yorkshire teenagers taught about the dangers of County Lines
Selby author Christina Gabbitas is touring schools to talk to students about the crime
Teenagers in North Yorkshire are being taught about the dangers of County Lines drug gangs.
North Yorkshire Police have teamed up with Selby author Christina Gabbitas who has written a short story about the issue.
She's now touring schools - and says it's really important to speak to young people: "You think you are indestructible, you think you can do something and you will bounce ack and there won't be a problem, you think you are so resilient that you are untouchable, it's just about trying to get that message across as much as we possibly can."
"These criminals are always going to be there, these organised crime groups, but what we need to do it educate our children and young people as much as possible in order to help them."
"The police are there for them to help, not there as an enemy, because I've been into some areas where perhaps the way the children have been brought up that they view the police as the enemy, well they are not, they are part of our communities."
Earlier this month North Yorkshire Police took part in a national week of action to target county lines drug dealing which has resulted in 26 arrests and the seizure of cash, suspected drugs, weapons and mobile phones.
Teams from across the force carried out proactive enforcement against those with suspected links to drugs offences.
Detective Chief Inspector Andrew Simpson, who led the week of activity for North Yorkshire Police, commented:
“We are working tirelessly to disrupt the supply of illegal drugs and protect the young and vulnerable in our communities who are exploited by them.
“It’s important to stress that this is just one week’s activity, and this type of disruption and safeguarding is taking place in communities across North Yorkshire all year round.
“As a force we are committed to cutting these County Lines and to protecting vulnerable people. But we cannot do this alone, our work with partners is important and we also need the support of the public. “It’s vital that everyone who cares for or knows young and vulnerable people understands the issue and knows the warning signs.”