Crimestoppers
Fearless - our youth service
Missing, controlled and exploited: the hidden reality of county lines in the UK
County lines is not just about drugs.
It's about the exploitation of children.
Across the UK, organised crime gangs are grooming young people and drawing them into dangerous situations they cannot easily escape. What may begin as attention, gifts or the promise of money can quickly become control, coercion and fear.
Many children do not feel able to speak out. Many families are left searching for answers.
You may not see everything.
But you may notice the signs.
If something doesn’t feel right, you can tell Crimestoppers 100% anonymously.
Scroll down this page to find out more about the impact on families, the signs to look out for, why early action is important and the support available for both victims and their families.
What is county lines?
County lines describes organised criminal networks that use dedicated phone lines or online platforms to distribute drugs.
But at the heart of this activity is exploitation.
Adults involved in organised crime deliberately target children and vulnerable people, using them to move drugs, money and weapons between locations. The people they target are often easier to manipulate and control.
Once drawn in, many are trapped through intimidation, violence, and debt. The people in control profit from this system, while those being exploited take the risks.
County lines is one of the most harmful forms of organised crime in the UK, because it relies on the exploitation of young lives.
Do you have information about county lines, or other crime?
Have you spotted something that's not right? You can tell us what you know any time of the day or night, every day of the year.
Call free on 0800 555 111 or fill in our quick and secure online form, here on our website:
Tap or click to give information anonymously
The hidden harm behind county lines
Behind every county line is a child at risk.
- Young people are groomed online and in person, often by older individuals who offer money, status or a sense of belonging. What can feel like an opportunity quickly becomes something else.
- Children are given gifts such as trainers, clothing or phones to build trust
- They are encouraged or pressured to travel to unfamiliar places
- Many go missing, sometimes repeatedly, with their whereabouts unknown
- They may be made to carry drugs, cash, or weapons
Some carry knives, being told it's for their own protection, when in reality it places them in greater danger.
Violence sits at the centre of these networks. Threats, intimidation and harm are used to maintain control, making it difficult for victims to leave.
Nearly three in four individuals involved in County Lines offending are linked to violence or weapons, underlining the serious risks young people are exposed to.
The impact on families
For families and loved ones, the impact can be devastating.
A child may begin to change, becoming withdrawn, secretive, or anxious. They may disappear for periods of time, sometimes overnight, without explanation. Communication can break down. Trust can fracture.
Parents and carers are often left fearing the worst, not knowing where their child is or who they are with.
County lines does not just affect individuals. It leaves families living with uncertainty, fear and a loss of control.
Signs to look out for
The signs of exploitation are not always obvious. They can be small changes that build over time.
A young person may be at risk if they:
- Suddenly have new clothes, trainers, phones or money they cannot explain
- Go missing, stay out overnight or are frequently uncontactable
- Become more secretive, withdrawn or anxious
- Travel to unfamiliar areas or talk about new locations
- Carry more than one phone or use unfamiliar apps
- Spend time with new or older individuals
These signs on their own may not mean exploitation, but together, they can indicate something more serious.
Trust your instincts. You don't need proof, just a concern.
Why early action matters
The earlier exploitation is recognised, the greater the chance of protecting someone from harm.
Many young people caught up in county lines go missing multiple times, each time placing them at greater risk. The longer exploitation continues, the harder it can be for them to leave.
Speaking up could help interrupt this cycle. It could protect a child, support a family, and help disrupt the criminal networks responsible.
Why Crimestoppers?
If you have information or concerns about county lines activity, you can contact us here at national charity Crimestoppers. We're independent of the police - you will never have to speak to or deal with them. You will remain 100% anonymous - guaranteed. We won’t ask for your name, and your details cannot be traced.
Your information is passed securely to law enforcement so they can take action.
You may never know the outcome, but your voice could help protect someone from serious harm.
If a child is at immediate risk call 999.
Support for victims and families
If you or someone you know may be affected by exploitation, support is available.
You are not alone.
- Victim Support is an independent charity in England and Wales that provides specialist practical and emotional support to victims and witnesses of crime.
- #LookCloser is a partnership campaign between The Children’s Society, the National County Lines Co-ordination Centre and British Transport Police, encouraging everyone to learn the signs of child exploitation and how to report it if worried, including here on our anonymous online form.
The campaign also seeks to highlight that child exploitation can happen anywhere, and any young person can be a victim. Find out more at the campaign webpage. - Catch 22 is a specialist support and rescue service for young people and their families who are criminally exploited through county lines.
- The SafeCall service, run by charity Missing People, offers confidential, non-judgemental support to young people and their families.
- For more advice on drugs, their effects and the law, talk to Frank.
- The Home Office also provides guidance for frontline professionals on dealing with county lines, as a part of the government’s approach to ending gang violence and exploitation. Click here to see details of their advice.
