South Yorkshire school dealing with 'significant rise' in concern over county lines drug gangs
Staff at Penistone Grammar School tell us it's something they're having to monitor closely
Last updated 25th Mar 2025
A South Yorkshire secondary school tell us they've been dealing with 'significant increase' in calls from concerned parents around county lines & the 'threat' of child criminal exploitation.
It's where gangs target young people to help them get illegal drugs from one area to another.
Katie Crook - who's the Associate Vice Principal at Penistone Grammar School - says it's a trend they've noticed since the start of academic year in September of 2024:
"We're very much aware of our setting and the close proximity to the train station.
"Wider intelligence with our local police informs us that there are active gangs potentially that could target our students.
"That's something we've got to be acutely aware of, and we are aware of that.
"I think one of the issues that Barnsley is facing at the minute - and I include Penistone in that - is vaping.
"But what we know about vapes is that they can be a gateway drug.
"That concerns us greatly - if students can buy vapes in the wider community, then what else are they going to be exposed to?
"So, here in Penistone, we are of course right in the middle of some big cities.
"Sheffield is down the road, and there's access to Leeds and Barnsley too - where gangs and county lines definitely operate.
"We've worked really hard in creating a strong reporting culture here around how many students are affected by things like vaping or other matters out in the wider communities.
Detective Superintendent Pete Quinn, who is the force lead for County Lines, said:
“We know that child exploitation is happening across the country and this includes South Yorkshire. Any child can be at risk of grooming and exploitation, so I encourage everyone to know and spot the signs that a child could be being exploited.
“These include a sudden change in mood or behaviour, becoming withdrawn, anxious, angry, secretive, distant or fearful of others, skipping school or going missing regularly, bring secretive about who they are talking to, a new older friend or group of friends, and unexplained gifts such as a new phone, alcohol, food, money, jewellery or clothing.”
“Criminals lure and groom children, online and in person, into ‘friendships’ by convincing them that they are their friend, they gain their trust and manipulate them by buying them gifts. Once they have gained their trust, they convince them to carry out crime including hiding or transport stolen goods, drugs, money, weapons, and even recruiting other children their age.
“Every child deserves a happy and safe childhood and we are committed to rooting out those who choose to harm children in our county. We have dedicated child exploitation teams working across the four districts of the county. They work in close partnership with local authorities, health and social care, charities and schools. Our specialist officers are trained in supporting child victims and investigating exploitation crimes to ensure we bring perpetrators before the courts and safeguard children from harm. Our multi-agency approach enables us to deliver training to staff at children’s care homes, taxi licensing firms and hotels – some of the settings we know criminals target to facilitate their exploitation.
“Our officers carry out regular visits to schools, engaging with staff and young people about any issues or problems relating to exploitation of concern. If you think a child or young person who you know is being exploited, please report it to us by calling 101 or visiting a police station and speaking to an officer in person. If someone is in immediate danger, always call 999.
“We know that not everyone will feel able to report directly to us so you can also share what you know anonymously via the independent charity, CrimeStoppers. Contact them for free via 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.”
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