Protecting our young people from ruthless drugs gangs

As part of the commitment made in my Police and Crime Plan to tackle the dangers of illegal drugs and the harm they bring to society - in particular to young people - I support a range of services which provide key help and interventions for victims and communities. Policing is not purely about robust enforcement, especially when it comes to tackling illegal drugs; there is a duty and responsibility to protect vulnerable people as well, and through my Office, there are several projects and services in place to do this. One of the organisations I support is Escapeline, a charity which helps children to stay safe by educating them about child exploitation and grooming, teaching them the signs to watch out for and protective strategies to handle potential approaches. This brilliant organisation also works alongside the police and other partners, providing training and education for professionals like youth workers, social workers and those in the health sector.

Today, following the most recent iteration of Operation Scorpion, I’ve invited their CEO Lisa to talk about how the model of county lines is changing, and what needs to happen if we are to stop more young people being exploited and involved in this criminal activity. 

“As part of our work at Escapeline, we are seeing a shift from the traditional model of county lines to a more localised model which doesn’t have the same cross-border elements. The same tactics are used to recruit and exploit, but the age of those targeted by these groups is getting younger and younger. Children are being used and put out to work, controlled by the ‘olders’ as they’re often referred to. This is what is fuelling a rise in youth violence, ranging from theft and destruction to causing havoc in town centres and public places – and it’s nearly always linked to county lines and drugs. Another shift in the model is that more girls are being recruited as well. Typically, this ‘recruitment’ has involved teenage boys, but more and more girls are being targeted and that increases the likelihood of sexual exploitation.

“In terms of the signs that parents, guardians, carers, teachers and anyone who works with young people need to be aware of, the key indicators remain the same; change of friendship group, behaviour changes and now we’re warning about possession of vapes as well. Whereas once cannabis used to be a key sign, now we are telling people who have children or work with children to also be aware of vapes in a child’s possession. While this may seem innocent and could seemingly be explained as a one-off, increasingly this is becoming a key early sign to be aware of.

“In my opinion, there absolutely needs a co-ordinated national effort to get a grip on this escalating situation. It’s not too late but it needs swift co-ordinated action and proper investment pushed into prevention and education, as well as more resources for enforcement. Drugs like cannabis are increasingly becoming ‘normalised’ for many young people, which means they see no danger in drug running. To many, it is akin to having a Saturday job – and we must not let that concept stand.

“That’s why education – and in particular early education in primary schools – is so vital. Teaching children about county lines is as essential as road safety lessons. At Escapeline, we use role play to teach likely scenarios to young people, demonstrating the tactics used by county lines groups. However, although we’re busier than ever delivering this education, we know that this needs to be much more widespread, and that needs intervention at a higher level. Once a young person gets pulled into county lines, it is difficult to pull them out.”

Lisa is absolutely right; much more needs to be done at a national level about the dangers our young people face when it comes to county lines. Currently, when it comes to tackling illegal drugs, prevention is the orphan at the feast and that needs to change, and urgently. I know as part of Operation Scorpion, officers carried out work with young people and schools to educate them around the risks associated with illegal vapes, risks Lisa has described here very clearly. I would urge parents, carers, guardians and anyone who works with young people to acquaint yourself with the signs listed. Don’t think it couldn’t happen to your child, these gangs are ruthless and their tactics ever-changing. Dorset Police will be robust in tackling county lines and illegal drugs, but it needs all of us to be aware of the dangers, talk to our young people and if concerned, reach out for help. I would also call on people in Dorset to report your intelligence. If you see something suspicious in your neighbourhood, tell the police about it here: Tell us something you've seen or heard | Dorset Police. It may be your information is the missing piece of the puzzle needed for police to take act.

I am determined that through robust enforcement, effective intervention and impactful prevention, we continue to send a clear message that we will not tolerate those intent on exploiting vulnerable people and bringing harm to our communities. Through the powerful partnership work demonstrated under Operation Scorpion, we will continue to show Dorset is #NoPlaceForDrugs.

David Sidwick

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner

 

Report your concerns:

• Call the police on 101 or 999 in an emergency. You can report your intelligence online
• If you are on a train, text British Transport Police on 61016
• Call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 and remain completely anonymous. You can also report online
• Call the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000 if you’re concerned about a child.