County Lines

What is County Lines?   A group establishing a network between an urban hub and county location, into which drugs (primarily heroin and crack cocaine) are supplied. A branded mobile phone line is established in the market, to which orders are placed by introduced customers, with the line being controlled by a third party, away from the market. The group exploits young or vulnerable persons, to store and/or supply drugs, move cash proceeds and secure the use of dwellings (‘cuckooing’). The group, or individuals exploited by them, regularly travel between the urban hub and the county market, to replenish stock and deliver cash. The group is inclined to use violence or threats and weapons, including knives, corrosives and firearms to establish and protect their market.

Drugs leave 12 dead since December in a Cumbrian town Drugs have killed 12 people in one Cumbrian town since December, making the death rate far higher than that of many cities. Police say they are struggling to stem the tide of drugs such as heroin and crack cocaine in Barrow-in-Furness. "We will keep doing what we can within the resources that we've got," said Nick Coughlan, from Cumbria Police, "but inevitably, if the pattern continues, more people will die." The police say they are struggling to tackle a problem known as county lines, where criminals from large cities target smaller towns. In Barrow, the usual heroin and crack cocaine suppliers, gangs from Liverpool and Manchester, have been joined in recent months by London groups, happy to make the 600-mile round trip to exploit the town's longstanding drug market Four of the deaths have occurred at Egerton Court, a dilapidated block of flats with crumbling masonry, boarded and smashed windows, discarded furniture and little hope. Sitting just yards from where the town's largest employer, BAE Systems, is building the nation's nuclear submarines, the Ego, as it's known locally, is often the dumping ground for Barrow's most vulnerable residents. Cooped up together, residents are easy prey for Barrow's dealers, who often entice residents with free drugs. Once hooked, the dealers sometimes take control of a resident's property and use the address to sell drugs to others - a practice known as cuckooing, which is becoming increasingly common in Barrow By Michael Buchanan & Camilla Horrox BBC News http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-43816717

County Lines Violence, Exploitation & Drug Supply 2017

Scale There is evidence of county lines activity in 88% of force returns (38). We estimate that there are at least 720 lines originating out of large cities, including London, Manchester and Birmingham. Motivating factors for setting up / utilising the county lines methodology include huge profits, reduced competition from other drugs OCG’s, receptive customer bases, less intimidation or resistance from local dealers and a lesser risk of being known by local police. Virtually all forces that reported county lines activity also referenced that the individuals responsible were involved with carrying weapons. Knives were mentioned by 85% of forces and firearms were mentioned by 74% of forces.

Violence Other violence-related crimes reported by forces included kidnapping, robbery, assault, and aggravated burglary. There were also reports of exploited victims being forced to strip and then being scalded with boiling water. Numerous incidents of serious violence have been reported and often describe the slashing, stabbing, beating and breaking bones of victims. There are also reports of limbs being severed, skull fractures and attacks by numerous gang members simultaneously. Sexual violence was referenced, often with female drug users being forced into sex to pay off drug debts, or nominals being raped as a form of punishment.

Cuckooing Virtually every force reported cuckooing. The vulnerable adults targeted are predominantly class A drug addicts but also include the elderly, those with mental or physical health impairments, female sex workers and single mothers.

Exploitation of vulnerable people

Identifying vulnerable victims The exploitation of vulnerable people is an essential aspect of county lines drugs supply. The actual numbers being exploited is difficult to assess due to a lack of sufficiently detailed intelligence, although we expect it to be significant, given 74% of forces reported exploitation of the vulnerable. Another factor is that intelligence relating to vulnerable individuals is held on a range of systems across different partner agencies. A more coordinated and collaborative approach is required, where information and intelligence can be shared efficiently and effectively by relevant stakeholders.

Children 65% of forces reported the exploitation of children. 42% of forces specifically reported evidence of children running on behalf of drug lines. The youngest reported child was 12 years old.

Money. A typical line can make in the region of £3,000 per day with some more prominent lines possibly making in excess of £5,000 per day. 720 x 3000 = £2.1m a day (approx.) 849,000 x 3 = £6.5m a week 2,547,000 x 52 = £132m a year.

How you can help Information Sharing Look for signs of cuckooing Ask questions of your vulnerable people Don’t just focus on the drug community The runners are vulnerable too Be aware of the risks

Contact us Telephone NYP: 101 Non-emergency email: general.enquiries@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk You can report anonymously to Crimestoppers: 0800 555 111

Questions?