What Are County Lines?
- Jul 1
- 2 min read
From Staffordshire Police
We’re reaching out to local communities across Staffordshire to raise awareness of county lines so we can all work together to help protect those most vulnerable to exploitation.
County lines are:
Criminal gangs often target vulnerable young people and exploit them into carrying or distributing drugs, normally outside of the area they live in.
As the drugs cross county boundaries, this type of activity is called ‘county lines’ and is a form of child criminal exploitation (CCE).
A county line is often run by organised crime groups (OCGs) that are usually associated with violence, drug dealing, exploitation and wider criminality.
Young people may not realise that they are being groomed into county lines drug distribution as criminal gangs use the lure of gifts or cash, and before they realise it the young person can find themselves trapped in a dangerous situation.
This grooming can occur online or face-to-face and may involve a stranger or someone they already know.
Signs that a young person could be caught up in county lines drug dealing include:
They repeatedly go missing from school or home and are often found in other areas
They have money, new clothes or electronic devices and can't explain how they paid for them
They get lots of texts or phone calls and are secretive about who they're speaking to
Their school or work performance declines
They display significant changes in emotional or physical well-being.
County Lines dealers also often convince vulnerable older people to let their home be used for drug dealing by giving them free drugs, or offering to pay for food or utilities. Often OCGs target people who are lonely, isolated, or have addiction issues.
It's common for OCGs to use a property for a short amount of time, moving address frequently to reduce the chance of being caught. This is called cuckooing and there are several signs to look out for that may indicate someone is a victim:
Frequent visitors at unsociable hours
Changes in your neighbour’s daily routine
Unusual smells coming from a property
Suspicious or unfamiliar vehicles outside an address.
Superintendent Victoria Downing said: “This type of drug-related activity has no place in our communities and the public hold the key to helping us tackle it.
"Information from witnesses and local communities is vital if we are to obtain the evidence needed to arrest and prosecute offenders, who prey on vulnerable people for their own financial gain.”
If you have concerns about county lines, call us on 101, or 999 in an emergency. You can also use the Live Chat service on our website.
If you’d rather stay anonymous you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
You can also get in touch with local support organisations, such as Catch22. The organisation works with children and young people who are at risk of, or are experiencing CCE. They offer support and interventions to children, young people and their parents and siblings. Visit www.catch-22.org.uk, or call 07834 341601.
What Are County Lines? - 1.7.25
