County Lines Explained: How Gangs Target Children & How to Spot the Signs
County Lines gangs are an ever-growing threat to vulnerable children across the UK. These criminal networks exploit young people to transport drugs, often using transport links like trains and buses to move their illegal goods. While the police are making strides to combat these gangs, the danger remains high. This blog explains the dangers of County Lines, how children are recruited, and what we can do to protect them.
What are County Lines and how do they operate?
County Lines refers to criminal gangs that expand their operations from urban areas to rural locations, using dedicated phone lines to facilitate the ordering and selling of drugs. These gangs frequently use vulnerable children, forcing them to transport drugs and money across the country. Tragically, there are still around 600 County Lines gangs operating in the UK, though this number has fallen from approximately 2,000 two years ago.
These gangs target children as young as seven, often exploiting their circumstances, such as a lack of family support, poverty, or a desire for quick money. Once recruited, children are pressured into delivering drugs and collecting payments, putting them in dangerous situations with devastating consequences.
How social media fuels county lines gangs and child exploitation
Social media platforms like Snapchat and Instagram are often used by County Lines gangs to recruit children. The gangs prey on vulnerable young people by offering false promises of wealth and status.
These platforms allow for easy communication and offer anonymity, which makes it difficult for authorities to track and prevent the exploitation.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, and in the current climate of economic hardship, more children have become susceptible to the influence of these gangs.
Recruitment methods now often involve luring children with offers of “work,” which turn out to be coercive and exploitative activities.
How Law enforcement is fighting County Lines gangs in the UK
The UK police have significantly stepped up efforts to tackle the spread of County Lines gangs. In a recent nationwide operation by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), 1,660 individuals were arrested, and 261 County Lines operations were shut down. This crackdown also led to the seizure of more than 500 weapons and the safeguarding of 1,400 vulnerable individuals (NPCC).
These actions, alongside better collaboration between police and communities, have made a difference, but there is still more to be done. Transport hubs, like train stations, continue to play a significant role in the movement of drugs, with officers regularly conducting raids and arrests. Recently, a major bust at a Manchester train station uncovered a substantial cannabis haul and resulted in multiple arrests. This highlights how important it is to stay vigilant in places where County Lines gangs operate.
The devastating impact of County Lines gangs on children
The human cost of County Lines exploitation is devastating. One tragic case that made headlines was the death of 14-year-old Kelyan Bokassa, who was killed during a gang-related stabbing. Kelyan had been groomed by gang members from a young age, and despite his mother’s efforts to protect him, he was caught in their dangerous web. His death is a stark reminder of the extreme risks children face when they become entangled with these criminal gangs (The Guardian).
The emotional and physical toll on children involved in County Lines exploitation can be profound. The trauma, violence, and fear that accompany this lifestyle can have lifelong consequences.
How to recognise the signs of County Lines exploitation in children
It’s important to be aware of the signs that a child may be involved in County Lines activities. These include:
- Sudden and unexplained absences from home or school
- A marked change in behaviour or mood
- Possession of new clothes, mobile phones, or money that can’t be explained
- Associating with older or unfamiliar individuals
- Frequently travelling to unfamiliar places or staying away from home
Being vigilant and acting early can make all the difference in preventing further harm to a child who may be involved in County Lines exploitation.
How Railway Children is tackling County Lines exploitation
At Railway Children, we are committed to protecting vulnerable children from County Lines gangs. We work closely with British Transport Police, schools, and local communities to raise awareness of this issue and provide support to at-risk children. Our focus is on early intervention, offering resources and guidance to help prevent children from being recruited into these dangerous networks.
We aim to create a supportive environment where children feel safe and can access the help they need. Our work includes outreach programmes, training for professionals, and advocacy for policy changes to improve the protection of children across the UK.
Join the Fight Against County Lines Exploitation
The fight against County Lines gangs is ongoing, and we need your help. If you suspect a child is being exploited or involved in criminal activities, please report it. Together, we can make a real difference in protecting children from this terrible exploitation.
For more information on how you can get involved and help protect vulnerable children, click the link below.