County Lines campaign launched in Bedfordshire to urge people to speak up about criminal gangs

We have launched a new campaign across Bedfordshire to highlight the damage caused by criminal gangs moving into local areas and exploiting vulnerable people, including children.

The campaign, run by the independent charity, shines a light on the dangers of County Lines, where criminals from major cities such as Manchester, Liverpool, London and Glasgow expand their drug networks to other areas. Violence, abuse and exploitation are common behaviours and cause immense harm to individuals, neighbourhoods and communities.

The gangs frequently set up in a new area for a short period of time, taking over homes of vulnerable people – which is known as cuckooing. They use children and adults to act as drug runners, forcing them to carry out criminal activity using threats, grooming and extortion. Our campaign seeks to raise awareness of the issue, educate the public for the signs to look out for and to encourage the public to speak up 100% anonymously if they have any suspicions or information about County Lines.

The three-month campaign comprises of large-scale motorway and rail advertising, as well as targeted social media activity, with the aim of improving the public’s understanding of County Lines and how vulnerable people are exploited. By improving the public’s understanding of how vulnerable people in their communities are in danger, the campaign will enable people to speak up when they spot the signs and understand that their information can make the difference.

“County Lines is a significant and growing problem and we need your help to identify and protect the people and communities who are harmed by these gangs. Children and young people are being exploited and many are too troubled and young to realise what is happening. Being forced into drug running can leave them feeling they have no way out or struggling to escape the daily harm they have to endure.

“Crimestoppers charity believes everyone has the right to feel safe from crime. We need your help and support to protect young people from exploitation. If you are unwilling to speak to the authorities directly, you can contact us.
 

“We have always kept our promise of 100% anonymity to everyone who has contacted us. We never ask for your name. We won’t judge. We listen to what you know. Once you’ve hung up the phone or clicked send on our online form, you’re done. No one will ever know you contacted us. Your information could make a big difference in preventing harm and protecting the people and places you care about.”

To find out more about the campaign including signs to spot, please visit our website here.

If you have any information about those exploiting children and young people, Crimestoppers charity is here to help. Call our UK Contact Centre anonymously on 0800 555 111 or use our untraceable online form.