Public urged to #LookCloser for the signs of young people being exploited by county lines gangs
As children head back to school after as much as six months away the public are being reminded of the potential signs that a young person may be involved county lines drug dealing.
Criminal gangs target children to sell drugs – sometimes forcing them to travel to other towns and cities – with teenage children most at risk of being exploited.
The #LookCloser campaign is encouraging the general public – in particular those working in public transport and the taxi service – to know the signs of county lines drug dealing and report concerns in order to protect vulnerable young people and disrupt the dealing of drugs in our communities.
Detective Inspector Matt Croome, said: “We know that criminal gangs are using children to move drugs in and out of the county – putting young people in very risky situations.
“Any child, no matter their background, can be at risk of being exploited by a county lines gang. The grooming that is undertaken by these gangs is sophisticated – often involving money and drugs.
“But quickly then can become embroiled in a world that is far more dangerous than they were anticipating.
“We also know that county lines gangs will protect the area in which they are dealing – often using extreme violence which has seen many young people lose their lives or be left with life changing injuries.
“Everyone has a part to play in spotting the signs of county lines drug dealing – so make sure you are aware of the signs and report them to the police.”
What are the key signs a child or young person could be at risk that people should look out for?
- Children travelling alone, particularly during school hours, late at night or on a regular basis. They may also look lost or in unfamiliar surroundings.
- Appear anxious, frightened angry or displaying other behaviours that are worrying or appear under the control or instruction of others.
- Signs of drug use, being found to have large amounts of drugs on them, and use of drug-related, violent or sexual language you wouldn’t expect them to know.
- Displaying disruptive or aggressive behaviour - a common response to trauma.
- Carrying large amounts of cash.
- Accompanied by individuals older than them and don’t appear to be family members.
- Having hotel cards or keys to unknown places.
In an emergency or if you concerned that your child is in imminent danger then you should call 999.
If you have concerns that a child may be involved in a county line but the danger is not immediate then you can contact us using any of the below methods:
- Facebook– send us a private message to /DerbyshireConstabulary
- Twitter– direct message our contact centre on @DerPolContact
- Website– complete the online contact form derbyshire.police.uk/Contact-Us.
- Phone – call us on 101.
You can learn more about the #LookCloser campaign and learn about support for young people who are involved in county lines drug dealing by visiting: www.childrenssociety.org.uk/look-closer
More News From Amber Valley Info
Mayoral commendation for Ripley Hospital's League of Friends A fund-raising group at a Derbyshire hospital built by the community has been commended by the Mayor of Amber Valley for read more | |
Invitation to a FREE Community Concert The Pye Hill & District Male Voice Choir Last year, The Pye Hill & District Male Voice Choir celebrated its 120th Anniversary and toured the read more | |
Councils successful swimming pool funding bid makes a big splash in Belper and Alfreton Belper Leisure Centre is celebrating another welcome funding victory following a second succe read more | |
Amber Valley extends public consultation for Pre-submission Local Plan Residents in Amber Valley are being consulted on the finalised submission of the boroughs Local Plan. read more | |
East Midlands Orchestra Plans Dementia Friendly Performances Derby-based Sinfonia Viva, the Orchestra of the East Midlands, is planning to launch a programme of dementia-friendly cl read more | |
The Amber Valley Info Noticeboard
Cold Callers claiming to be working on behalf of Derbyshire County Council Policehave seen and increase in reports of 'cold callers' where people are claiming to be working on behal read more | |
Subscriptions For Amber Valley Borough Councils 2024 Garden Waste Service Are Now Open The garden waste collection service is available to all residents in Amber Valley except for r read more | |
Mobile networks are being improved in Ripley Mobile networks are being improved in Ripley boosting the speed, performance and coverage of mobile services in the area. read more | |
Trent Barton Buses - Extension Of The £2 Single Fare Cap Trent Barton Buses have confirmed their participation in the extension of the £2 single fare cap until the end o read more | |
Crich Tramway Village Looking For An Engineering Manager The successful candidate for this post will have excellent management skills gained whilst working in a practical workshop e read more | |