Exploitation and county lines
County lines and exploitation
County Lines is a serious form of criminal exploitation that affects communities across the UK. It involves organised crime groups using dedicated phone lines to distribute drugs, often by exploiting children and vulnerable adults.
It’s important to understand that we can only take legal action when we have sufficient evidence, and legal processes are often not quick. We may not always be able to share full details of any action we are taking, but we are committed to keeping you informed and will provide regular updates on what we can share, as agreed with you.
County Lines
This is a form of criminal exploitation where organised crime groups move drugs. This may be across counties or in may be within the locality of the same county. They use dedicated phones to manage orders and control operations.
Key indicators include:
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Exploitation of children and vulnerable adults to transport drugs, money or weapons.
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Use of coercion, grooming, intimidation, violence and sexual abuse.
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Practices like 'cuckooing', where gangs take over the homes of vulnerable individuals to run operations.
Spotting the signs:
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Frequent visitors at unusual hours. People coming and going late at night or very early morning.
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Presence of unfamiliar individuals. This is often young people who do not appear to live there.
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Signs of drug activity. Including strong smells (like cannabis) and discarded drug paraphernalia or packaging.
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Increased anti-social behaviour. This could be noise, arguments, or disturbances linked to the property
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Property damage or neglect. Broken doors/windows, signs of forced entry or poor upkeep could all potentially indicate criminal acitivity.
Don't forget - children can never provide consent, even if they appear to be happy to be involved.
Exploitation
This happens when someone is taken advantage of for another person’s benefit, often through manipulation, threats or abuse. It can affect anyone, but adults who are isolated, have care needs, or face other vulnerabilities are at greater risk.
Exploitation can take many forms:
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Financial exploitation. Stealing money or possessions, pressuring someone to change wills or accounts.
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Criminal exploitation. Forcing someone to commit crimes such as drug dealing or theft.
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Modern slavery or forced labour. Controlling someone through threats, debt, or abuse.
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Cuckooing. Criminals take over an adult’s home to use it for illegal activities.
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County lines. Vulnerable people are exploited by drug gangs to move or store drugs and money.
Spotting the signs
You might notice that someone:
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Has new people visiting their home frequently, or at odd hours, this may be causing a community impact or ASB (link SCT page and reporting form)
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Seems afraid, withdrawn, or unusually secretive.
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Has unexplained injuries, money problems, or sudden changes in behaviour.
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Is missing appointments, neglecting personal care, or losing contact with friends and family.
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Has people staying over who don’t seem to belong.
