Suffolk Police clamp down on county lines gangs in week of intensive action
Services across the country have taken part action this week to disrupt county lines drug trafficking.
Suffolk Police have taken significant steps to deal with county lines drug trafficking after a week of intensive action to tackle the issue.
Between October 11th and 17th, they made 19 arrests, seized drugs worth £11,500, cash worth £3500 and ten weapons.
The action coincides with our #LookCloser investigation which revealed children as young as 7 years of age were being used as mules to smuggle drugs across the country.
Chief Superintendent Marina Ericson says the intensive action is part of their '4P' approach to tackling the crime: "Under Pursuit, we look at suppliers who bring drugs into the county, and in association with the Crown Prosecution Service, take them off the streets."
As part of their duty to Protect vulnerable young people and protect wider society, they engaged with schools and charities that work with at-risk youths. They also conducted 43 welfare and safeguarding visits to a number of properties that are in danger as a result of 'cuckooing': where drug dealers take over a vulnerable person's house to use as a base to sell drugs from.
County lines gangs often lure in vulnerable young people through the promise of money, jewellery or protection from violence and are groomed to distribute drugs for them.
"Once you get more and more embroiled in these crimes, the more difficult it is to get out", says Chief Supt. Ericson.
For youths worried about facing violent retaliation from gangs if they leave, she adds: "We are here to support you, and we will not judge. We will look at all the circumstances and information before coming to a conclusion through which we can provide safeguarding measures to all those who find themselves involved ".
While police action can help reduce the rates of county lines exploitation, Chief Supt. Ericson is urging the wider community to be more vigilant.
"Parents will know their children. Teachers will know their students. Peers and friends know their friends. When you start to see prolonged changes to someone's attitudes or behaviours, it could mean that they are succumbing to exploitation or grooming for exploitation".
She also encourages them to share these suspicions promptly with school authorities or social services or police, so that enough information can be collected to support vulnerable youths and prevent them from being exploited.
"We want to reassure people that we have the governance, we have the structure and we are prioritising criminal exploitation . We will do what we can to help those that are risk."
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.