County Lines - Know The Signs
What is County Lines?
County Lines refers to organised drug-dealing networks where criminals use a single phone line to run operations. Gangs, often from urban areas, exploit vulnerable children and adults, particularly in rural and suburban communities. They act as ‘runners’ to transport drugs and cash nationwide. They commonly use rail networks, taxis, and private hire vehicles to avoid detection.
These gangs target young people in schools, care settings, on the streets, and increasingly through digital platforms such as social media, chat apps, and gaming. They glamorise gang life to recruit, then manipulate victims into criminal acts with promises of reward. Many end up trapped in this violent and intimidating world.
How do they operate?
Criminal gangs often set up local bases by forcibly taking over the homes of vulnerable adults - a tactic known as 'cuckooing'. They then groom vulnerable children and adults into drug dealing roles. Once drawn in, victims find it extremely difficult to escape the gang’s control.
There are several signs to look out for that may indicate someone is a victim of cuckooing:
- 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
If you suspect cuckooing is taking place:
- Can you identify where it’s happening?
- Have you noticed a pattern in the days or times people are visiting the property?
How can you help?
You can help stop the cycle of exploitation, by spotting and reporting the signs of County Lines when you see them in everyday life.
There are several signs to look out for that may indicate someone is involved in County Lines:
- A child or young person going missing from school or home, or significant changes in emotional well-being.
- A person meeting unfamiliar adults or a change to their behaviour.
- The use of drugs and alcohol.
- Unexplained bus or train tickets.
- Acquiring money or expensive gifts they can’t account for.
- Lone children from outside of the area.
- Individuals with multiple mobile phones, tablets or SIM cards.
- Use of unusual terms - e.g. "going country".
- Young people with more money, expensive clothing, or accessories than they can account for.
- Unknown or suspicious-looking characters coming and going from a neighbour’s house.
- Relationships with controlling or older individuals, or associations with gangs.
- Suspicion of self-harm, physical assault, malnutrition or unexplained injuries.
If you’re reporting concerns related to County Lines, please share any specific details you have.
Information that may be useful includes:
- Victim details: name, address or a physical description
- Perpetrator details: name, address or description
- Vehicle information: make, model, colour and registration number
How to report?
Call 999 now in emergency situations like these:
- a child, or anyone else, is in immediate danger
- someone is using violence or is threatening to be violent
- a crime is happening right now
Hearing or speech impairments
- If you’ve pre-registered with the emergencySMS service, use our textphone service 18000 or text us on 999.
- Call 999 BSL to use a British Sign Language interpreter.
Silent 999 calls
- If you're in danger but you can't talk on the phone, you should still call 999, then follow these instructions.
Report online
If you’re concerned about drug-related crime in your area or think someone may be a victim of drug exploitation, report it online.
Phone 101
Call us on 101.
Report anonymously
You can report anonymously via the Crimestoppers website or by calling 0800 555 111.
What are we doing to tackle county lines drug dealing?
Tackling County Lines drug dealing and the harm it causes remains a key priority. In 2023, we launched Operation Target - a joint campaign with regional forces - to disrupt serious and organised crime and protect our communities.
Below are several examples of our work to tackle county lines drug dealing across our three counties.
Further information and support
- The National Crime Agency County Lines website explains more about county lines and indicators of exploitation in your area.
- Safe 4 Me has details about support services nationally for young people impacted by Child Criminal and Sexual Exploitation. They also have lots of information regarding specific forms of exploitation, understanding trauma, rights and the law and much more.
- The Safeguarding Network have helpful tips for understanding indicators of exploitation and what may make a young person more vulnerable to being exploited.
- The NSPCC offers guidance on understanding specific apps and platforms that young people may be using.