Fearless 'County Lines' educational film launches across Wales

Fearless.org, our youth service, is launching its new crime prevention film this week across North Wales, to raise awareness of how ‘County Lines’ drug gangs exploit young people to move and sell drugs. This is part of the roll out of the film across the whole of Wales. Last week saw the launch of the film in South Wales.

The film – ‘Running the Lines’ - made for Crimestoppers by film training scheme ‘It’s My Shout', will be shown in workshops with young people across Wales. Running the Lines follows the fictional story of a young person involved in drug running, and is inspired by accounts of real-life County Lines cases, including the use of violence by such gangs.

Fearless.org, which now has youth workers covering all parts of Wales, also helps tackle the underreporting of crime by young people. Through its website, young people can pass on information about crime they’ve witnessed to Fearless.org 100% anonymously and safely.
 

The Fearless film project is our latest effort to raise public awareness of the activities of organised crime groups through campaigns. Last month we ran digital adverts across North Wales to help prevent knife crime.

“Whilst North Wales continues to be one of the safest places to live and work, we do not underestimate the violence perpetuated by organised crime groups. County Lines criminality cuts across my priorities; it is through joint working, information sharing and awareness that we can tackle it together and stop the exploitation of young people and vulnerable adults.
 
“I welcome the work of Crimestoppers, including the new Fearless film project, where through early intervention and prevention, we can ensure young people don’t get caught up in serious violence.”

“County Lines is a growing issue within our communities, targeting the most vulnerable and luring young people through the superficial attraction of drugs and exploitation as an alternative to what seems a barren future bereft of opportunity. This project has a key role to play in prevention and awareness raising, allowing us to intervene early in areas where young, vulnerable people are more likely to be exploited by organised crime groups to ensure they have the resilience and the opportunities to divert them away from serious violence.
 
“Our focus must be on a public health approach to crime reduction and I am encouraged by the way in which partners are collaborating to tackle immediate issues, particularly around knife crime and exploitation and are working to a long-term aim that ensures young people in Wales can live a life free of serious violence.”
 

“Young people can become involved with criminal gangs but often do not recognise they’re being exploited or feel confident to seek help.

“Running the Lines will help young people spot the signs of exploitation and understand the grim realities of County Lines drug running. We want to educate and empower young people to be aware of the issues, feel safer and be confident to report crime - including the option to use Fearless.org anonymously.”

The film is only currently available for viewing in Fearless workshops, which can be booked for schools and youth groups via Fearless@crimestoppers-uk.org

To find out more information about the Fearless project, visit Fearless.org.