County lines is when illegal drugs are transported from one place to another, often across police force and local authority boundaries, and often by children or vulnerable people.
A ‘county line’ is a dedicated mobile phone that’s used by gangs and organised criminal networks to take orders and run operations.
Child criminal exploitation is common in county lines. It’s when a person or group of people use intimidation, violence, sexual violence or weapons to coerce a child or young person under 18 into transporting or storing drugs.
If you’re under 18, you might think that you’ve agreed to this activity and that it’s consensual. However, if someone you trust has made you commit crimes for their benefit then this is criminal exploitation.
Cuckooing is when your house is taken over for criminal activity and is also common in county lines. Gangs and organised criminal networks target the homes of vulnerable people, using your property for sex work or for dealing, storing or taking illegal drugs. They might also move in with you and live at your property, using it as their base of operations.
The exploitation of children, young people and adults as part of county lines and cuckooing is often prosecuted under modern slavery and human trafficking laws.
If you’ve been affected by county lines and cuckooing, you must remember that it’s not your fault. You’ve been criminally exploited and can get help to escape the exploitation and to recover from it.
You might’ve been groomed and manipulated from a young age or forced into opening up your home, and you could be feeling distressed or frightened. This is completely normal.
Help is available, whether or not you’ve reported it to the police.
If you’d like more information or support, contact us now.
As well as receiving help from us, you can also get support from other organisations and charities. See below or search our directory.
SafeCall – The national county lines exploitation support service run by charity Missing People. SafeCall is a free, confidential and anonymous helpline for young people and family members that are affected by county lines and criminal exploitation. Call or text 116 000, email 116000@missingpeople.org.uk or use the online chat.
Greater Manchester Police – More information about county lines and cuckooing, signs to look out for if you’re concerned about a loved one and different ways to report.
The Children’s Society – Find out more about county lines and child criminal exploitation from this UK charity.
