Crimestoppers has launched a national campaign to expose the hidden exploitation of children linked to county lines and encourage the public to speak up safely and anonymously.
County lines involves grooming and controlling young people. Children are targeted, manipulated and exploited to transport drugs, money and weapons, often far from home and while facing violence, intimidation and isolation.
*New figures highlight the scale of the issue. Police estimate that up to 11,600 children are at risk of county lines exploitation, with many going missing repeatedly. In the past year alone, more than 2,600 children were identified as linked to county lines activity, though the true number is believed to be significantly higher.
Going missing is one of the clearest warning signs. Each year, there are around 200,000 reports of missing children, many involving repeat episodes that increase the risk of harm. Within county lines networks, young people may be sent to unfamiliar areas and feel unable to seek help because of fear or coercion.
Violence is often part of this exploitation. Young people can be pressured into carrying weapons in the belief it will keep them safe, when in reality it puts them in greater danger.
The impact and harm extends beyond individuals. Communities may experience increased violence and antisocial behaviour, while vulnerable adults can also be exploited, including through “cuckooing”, where their homes are taken over.
Crimestoppers is urging the public to recognise the signs of exploitation and act early. Unexplained gifts, new clothes or phones, secrecy, or frequent absences can all indicate that a young person may be at risk.
Angela Parker, Scotland National Manager at the charity Crimestoppers, said: “County lines exploitation is often hidden in plain sight and can affect any family or community. Children are being manipulated and placed in dangerous situations, while those responsible remain in the background.
“We know people may feel unsure about coming forward, but you can tell us what you know whilst staying completely anonymously. No names, no statements, just information that could help protect a young person from harm.”
Anyone with information about county lines activity, or concerns about a young person, can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.
Crimestoppers is an independent charity. We never ask for your name or personal details, and your information cannot be traced.
You will not be speaking to the police or have any involvement with the courts with you contact Crimestoppers or Fearless.org.
The charity Crimestoppers has launched a new campaign in partnership with Network Rail and British Transport Police to highlight how criminal ‘County Lines’ gangs target young people and exploit them to carry cash, drugs and weapons.
The campaign aims to raise awareness of County Lines, which is when criminals expand their drug networks to Scottish cities and towns, bringing serious criminal behaviour such as violence, exploitation and abuse.
The term County Lines refers to the use of a single telephone number to order illegal drugs, operated from outside the local area.
This is having a massive impact on Scotland’s towns and cities and also on vulnerable young people and adults who are being exploited. Young people often transport cash and drugs all over the country, so that the criminals behind them can remain detached and are less likely to be caught.
Many travel by public transport, which is why Network Rail has pledged their support by raising awareness of the problem and are encouraging staff and passengers to become familiar with the signs of exploitation.
The gangs often set up a base in a rural area for a short time, taking over the home of a vulnerable person by ‘cuckooing’ and use adults and children to act as drug runners.
Law enforcement across the UK, including here in Scotland, has made significant arrests of people involved in this type of activity. Many vulnerable adults and children who have been coerced into these activities have been safeguarded.
The campaign, supported by Network Rail, will use a series of `spot the signs’ posters, postcards and social media tools to help raise awareness of the issue across Scotland.
Angela Parker, Scotland National Manager for the independent charity Crimestoppers, said: “County Lines isn’t necessarily a term people are familiar with, but as a charity it’s important we raise awareness of this issue and help tackle it.
“Gangs coming into our communities here in Scotland, are not welcome. We want to ensure that if they do decide to set-up their operation here, that your information can help get them removed and keep our communities safe.
“When you contact us, we won’t judge or ask any personal details. All we want to know is what you know. We guarantee you’ll remain 100% anonymous. Always.
“If you have any information about people who have recently moved into Scottish communities to sell drugs, please contact Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111 or use the simple and secure anonymous online form at Crimestoppers-uk.org.”
Minister for Community Safety Ash Regan said:“I welcome today’s launch of this important campaign. Raising awareness of the threats posed by County Lines gangs is a key element in tackling organised crime and reducing the harm it causes to our communities.
“The Scottish Government, along with partners on Scotland’s Serious Organised Crime Taskforce, is committed to continuing to bring to justice those who supply illegal drugs and cause untold harm to some of our most vulnerable individuals and communities.
“I would like to thank Crimestoppers and our other partner agencies for their determined efforts to take illegal substances off Scotland’s streets and to dismantle the groups responsible.”
Allan Brooking, Senior Community Engagement Manager at Network Rail said:‘Network Rail is delighted to be supporting Crimestoppers’ County Lines campaign. Our Company plays a vital role in connecting people across Scotland, so it’s hugely important to us to help safeguard young people at risk of, or being exploited by, criminals.
“Our partners at BTP and staff across the organisation have been equipped with information on what to look out for and we will be sharing the campaign at stations and with passengers.’
Detective Superintendent Garry Mitchell of Police Scotland: ““Police Scotland officers work hard to keep our communities safe and make the country a hostile environment for organised criminals to operate.
“Exploiting the most vulnerable people, including children, is the approach of those who operate County Lines. They intimidate, coerce, threaten and use violence to groom young people and force them to transport, store and sell drugs for their own nefarious benefit.
“We will continue to work in partnership with Crimestoppers, Network Rail and British Transport Police to safeguard individuals who are recognised as being at risk and are grateful for their support.
“If you have information about anyone involved in County Lines, and importantly anyone who may be at risk, please get in touch with police or by contacting Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
Detective Superintendent Gareth Williams, British Transport Police’s County Lines Taskforce lead, said:“County lines gangs target young and vulnerable members of society and exploit them to run harmful drugs between locations, which can be hundreds of miles apart.
“As a force we are dedicated to identifying and safeguarding those exploited in this crime type to pull them out of harm’s way and away from a life of crime. Our specialist teams are working across the railway network in Scotland, and the entirety of the UK, every day to make it a hostile environment for drug suppliers to operate.
“Successfully combatting this offending requires a collaborative approach, not only with our policing colleagues but with the rail industry and the third sector. Crimestoppers’ anonymous reporting service is integral in this work as it provides us with crucial information we use to target and apprehend county lines gangs.”
