Children as young as SEVEN exploited by drugs gangs
Young people are being exploited by "County Lines" criminals
Last updated 18th Oct 2021
A Hits Radio investigation has learned children as young as seven are being groomed into dealing drugs for criminal gangs.
We've been investigating "County Lines" where drug dealers look to find new markets to sell illegal substances outside their home county.
In many cases, young people are used to carry Class A drugs and cash into these areas, controlled by physical, emotional and even sexual violence.
Look Closer at County Lines
Authorities are seeing a marked increase in children getting caught up in this criminal activity.
In the first six months of 2021, nearly 750 children we referred to authorities because they'd been caught up in this type of gang activity.
That's around three times higher than the total number of cases in the whole of 2017.
Gangs use young people to transfer substances or cash because they feel they're less likely to get caught. The average age of a young person being used in this way is 14-17, but we've learned children as young as seven have been exploited in County Lines operations.
Many vulnerable young people are introduced to these criminal behaviours with promise of friendship, being part of a "family" or being offered gifts, or cash incentives.
Only later do the gangs turn violent, with threats made against the individual, or their families.
Other vulnerable people are exploited when gangs move into an area and seize a property to operate as a base in a new area. This "cuckooing" technique often targets people with disabilities.
A new campaign to spot the signs of County Lines
Hits Radio is teaming up with the Children's Society to raise awareness of County Lines where you live, and urge people to #LookCloser at the signs it might be happening to young people there.
We've put together a guide to help you spot the signs of County Lines that you might not immediately notice.
James Simmonds-Read, National Programme Manager at The Children’s Society’s Prevention programme, which runs the Look Closer campaign, said:
“Predators groom children with offers of cash, gifts, drugs and alcohol, friendship and status - then use terrifying threats and violence to exploit them to carry drugs in ‘county lines’ operations or for sexual or labour exploitation.
“Young people may not ask for help because they have been manipulated into thinking they are making a choice or because they are too scared to speak out. We must not hold children responsible for preventing their own exploitation but should instead work together as a society to prevent it from happening to them.
“That’s why our Look Closer campaign highlights how important it is for people to look out for and report any signs a child is being exploited – be it in public spaces like train stations, parks, shopping centres and banks, or in online spaces like social media and gaming platforms.
READ MORE: "It felt like I was losing my son": How drugs gangs are grooming children
“Doing so isn’t just a matter for parents and professionals. Everyone from morning commuters and transport staff to hotel and shop workers can play a potentially vital role in helping children to escape a situation of horrific abuse and unimaginable trauma.
“Exploited children may not always appear vulnerable or behave in the way we would expect victims to, so it’s vital people look beyond the obvious and remember that trauma may cause young people to appear angry or aggressive.”
What if I'm worried about a young person?
- People should report any concerns to the police on 101.
- If on a train text British Transport Police on 61016.
- Dial 999 if there is an immediate risk to a child.
- Alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously online or call their helpline on 0800 555111.
We'll be reporting on this story online and on-air throughout this week, you can also check out the #LookCloser hashtag on social media
How to spot signs of County Lines activity
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.