County Lines 

Reporting Concerns

If you or someone else are in immediate danger or you need support right away call 999 now.

If you have a hearing or speech impairment, use the Police textphone service 18000 or text on 999 if you’ve pre-registered with the emergencySMS service.

If you're in danger but you can't talk on the phone, you should still call 999, then follow these instructions depending on whether you're calling from a mobile or a landline.

Follow this link for further information about how to report child abuse.

What is County Lines?

County lines is the name given to drug dealing where organised criminal groups (OCGs) use phone lines to move and supply drugs, usually from cities into smaller towns and rural areas.

They exploit vulnerable people, including children and those with mental health or addiction issues, by recruiting them to distribute the drugs. This is often referred to as ‘drug running’. Criminals may also use a vulnerable person’s home as their base of operations. This is known as ‘cuckooing’.

Signs to look out for 

There are several signs to look out for that may indicate someone is involved in county lines:

• repeatedly going missing from school or home and being found in other areas
• having money, new clothes or electronic devices and they can't explain how they paid for them
• getting high numbers of texts or phone calls, being secretive about who they're speaking to
• decline in school or work performance
• significant changes in emotional or physical well-being

Advice for children 

If you are worried about a friend or concerned about your own welfare

You could:

• contact Childline on 0800 1111 or online
• ask an adult for help, like a parent or teacher you trust
• call 999 if you think they are in immediate danger and need urgent help
• speak with your designated safeguarding lead at school
• talk to your GP or nurse, social worker, local police officer

Advice for parents and guardians

If you suspect someone of criminally exploiting children, or think someone you know has been or is at risk of becoming a victim follow this link for further information about how to report possible child abuse. 

If someone is in immediate danger and needs urgent help please call 999 now. If you have a hearing or speech impairment, use our text phone service 18000 or text us on 999 if you’ve pre-registered with the emergency SMS service.

If you’re concerned about drug-related crime in your area or think someone may be a victim of drug exploitation, please call us on 101.

Silent 999 calls

If you're in danger but you can't talk on the phone, you should still call 999, then follow these instructions depending on whether you're calling from a mobile or a landline.

Report it

You can also report it online, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org. 

No personal details are taken, information cannot be traced or recorded and you will not go to court or have to speak to police when contacting Crimestoppers.

Further information and support

The National Crime Agency County Lines website explains more about county lines and indicators of exploitation.

Safe 4 Me has details about support services nationally for young people impacted by Child Criminal and Sexual Exploitation. They also have lots of information regarding specific forms of exploitation, understanding trauma, rights and the law and much more. 

The Safeguarding Network have helpful tips for understanding indicators of exploitation and what may make a young person more vulnerable to being exploited.

The NSPCC offers guidance on understanding specific apps and platforms that young people may be using.