Essex Police clampdown on county lines gangs in week of intensive action
Services across the country have taken part in action this week to disrupt county lines drug trafficking.
Last updated 21st Oct 2021
Essex Police have taken significant steps to deal with county lines drug trafficking after operations led to the disruption of 13 county lines.
In what was a week of intensive action to deal with the issue, they made 55 arrests, seized £180,000 and took more than 6kg of drugs off the county streets.
The action coincides with our #LookCloser investigation that revealed children as young as 7 years of age were being used as mules to smuggle drugs across the country.
Detective Superintendent Lewis Basford from the Serious Violence Unit at Essex Police says:
"We've reduced significantly the numbers of county lines, to the extent that we have areas in the county where lines are no longer operating.
"Based on our intelligence, the lines in our cities and towns, where it's been more prevalent, they have been greatly reduced."
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're in their system, its very difficult to get out", says Det. Supt. Basford.
He urges those youths involved in these gangs through coercion to reach out to the police or support groups for help.
"We will be there to support you if that decision is made to walk away from such activities. We can provide a safe space and break the cycle of exploitation. We can also put these people (gang leaders) away which then provides young people the time and space they need to walk away from what could otherwise lead to a life of crime."
While police action can help reduce the rates of county lines exploitation, Det. Supt. Basford believes communities also have a role to play: "Providing safe spaces for young people to come together and offering them avenues for play, which is what young people should be doing is very important.
"Communities must provide these opportunities to them so as to ensure they don't attach or entrench themselves in anti-social activity" he adds.
He also asks family, teachers and peers to "be the police's eyes and ears in the community", and refer any concerns they have with certain young people to the police or social services promptly to prevent exploitation.
Although police will support young offenders who have been a victim of exploitation, it is not a blanket pardon. He insists that those who continue to commit crimes after support or pose a danger to public safety will be arrested and prosecuted.
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.