COUNTY LINES – KNOW THE SIGNS

County Lines is when Organised Criminal Groups (OCGs) use mobile phones to traffic drugs from cities ➡️ rural or coastal areas.
They often exploit vulnerable people — including children, those with mental health needs, or people experiencing addiction — to transport drugs and cash.

🏠 Cuckooing: This is when criminals take over the home of a vulnerable person to use it as a base for drug dealing.

🔍 Signs to Look Out For

✔️ 🚶‍♂️ A young person missing from home or school, or found far from where they live
✔️ 💵 Unexplained money, new clothes, or multiple phones/devices
✔️ 📲 Constant texts or calls, secrecy around contacts
✔️ 📉 Sudden drop in school or work performance
✔️ 😔 Changes in mood, behaviour, or physical appearance

🌐 Social Media Risks

💬 Grooming through DMs, stories and posts
📢 Posts advertising “workers” or “runners”
💰 Promises of “fast cash”, leading to debt bondage
🔤 Common emojis linked to drugs:

🏠 Signs of Cuckooing

👥 Increased visitors at unusual times
🔄 Changes in routine or behaviour of the occupant
👃 Strange or strong smells
🚗 Vehicles repeatedly visiting or parked outside

📞 How to Report Concerns

🚨 Emergency: Call 999
📞 Non‑emergency: Call 101 or report online
🙈 Anonymous: Crimestoppers 0800 555 111

🤝 Support Services

Catch22

Supports children and young people at risk of or experiencing Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE).
📧 Email Catch22
📞 07834 341601

National Crime Agency – County Lines

Information on County Lines operations and signs of exploitation.

Safe4Me

Resources on Child Criminal & Sexual Exploitation, trauma, rights, the law, and national support options.

Safeguarding Network

Guidance on recognising indicators of exploitation and risk factors.

NSPCC

Advice on apps, platforms, and online safety for children.