Signs of county lines victims 'lost in the crowd' this summer, say police
SIGNS of vulnerable people being exploited by county lines drugs gangs may have been “lost in the crowd” during such a busy summer, Dorset Police chiefs have warned.
The force has asked for residents and holidaymakers to look out for clues, such as children from outside the area travelling long distances on public transport alone, paying for tickets with large amounts of cash or possessing multiple mobile phones, tablets or SIM cards.
County lines is a term for drug gangs exploiting children and vulnerable adults to make them courier drugs and money across the country. It refers to the mobile phone lines that are the key links for operations.
The busy summer the county has experienced following the easing of lockdown meant some young victims could easily get “lost in the crowd”, warned Supt Rob Chalkley, of Dorset Police.
He said: “Sometimes drug dealers will befriend a vulnerable person who lives on their own and take over their home and turn it into a drugs den. This is called ‘cuckooing’.
“Urban dealers often target homes of vulnerable people in small, rural and coastal towns where they can set up shop and sell drugs. Signs of cuckooing include unknown or suspicious-looking people coming and going from a neighbour’s house at odd times of the day or night.
“We are asking people to help us to keep Dorset safe. Please visit our website to know the signs of county lines and also keep an eye out over the busy summer period.”
His call was backed by Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Martyn Underhill, who said: “Criminal gangs involved in county lines exploit some of the most vulnerable in our society.
“They think nothing of targeting children and vulnerable adults and sometimes use threats of violence to coerce them into moving drugs across the country.
“County lines is a problem that is larger than the police and requires a response from a wide range of organisations.
“The public also have a role to play. By learning to spot the signs and reporting any suspicions they may have they can help protect victims of exploitation.
“As people enjoy the sunny weather and all that our beautiful county has to offer this summer, we are asking the public to keep a lookout for anything that could indicate exploitation in Dorset.”
