Crimes affecting students

County Lines

County Lines refers to gangs and organised criminal networks which export illegal drugs into suburban, rural and coastal areas, using dedicated mobile phone lines or “deal lines.”

The crime sees County Lines gangs exploit children and vulnerable adults to move drugs and money. Many of those taken advantage of by these gangs have been forced to carry out criminal activity by threats, grooming and extortion and can be described as modern slaves.

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There are indications that student accommodation could being used to deal drugs and that students are involved in drug dealing.

A recent law-enforcement County Lines investigation found that one County Line expanded to move closer to a university, coinciding with the start of the university term. This expansion indicates that there was s a demand for drugs that this County Lines gang thought they can meet. Investigations continue into the involvement of university students.

Vulnerable students who have debt are a prime risk. Involvement may start as an easy way for them to pay off some of that debt, but could quickly spiral into debt bondage.

Some of the factors contributing to student debt include:

The removal of council tax benefit for post-graduate students
Social pressure to maintain a highly active social live and standard of living while at university
New or existing drug debt caused by substance abuse/misuse

Students may be targeted simply because they have direct access to other students. Students storing and/or selling drugs on or off campus will be harder to detect than non-students.

As universities aim to become more accessible for students, there is an increasing number of students from vulnerable backgrounds going to university. Combined with a reduction in support services, this could leave students more vulnerable to exploitation.

Criminal groups who operate County Lines have displayed their transient and adaptable practice, and there is a national concern that university students, both on and off campus, may be targeted.

The traditional methods of cuckooing would be less noticeable within a student arena or at halls of residence, with many of the warning signs listed above being missed or excused as student life. County Lines in universities has already featured in reports in national media such as the BBC.

Some signs of drug dealing could include (but are not limited to):

Witnessing the exchange of money for drugs
Unknown or suspicious looking characters, non-students, regularly seen on campus
Students:
- With gang associations
- With controlling characteristics
- Using nicknames when speaking about others
- With access to numerous phones - receiving large numbers of phone calls or texts
- Offering debt support promises (as part of their recruitment process)
- Regularly visiting a potential cuckooed property (e.g. to drop off drugs, collect money or checking in on drugs/criminal activity taking place inside)

In an emergency, always call 999 - alternatively, call the police on 101.

If you have information on the people behind County Lines, call us anonymously on 0800 555 111 or use our online form, here on our website. You’ll stay 100% anonymous. Always.

The National Crime Agency advises that you trust your instincts. Even if someone isn't involved in County Lines drug dealing, they may be being exploited in some other way, so it's always worth speaking out.
In an emergency, call 999 - alternatively, call the police on 101.
If you would rather remain 100% anonymous, call us on 0800 555 111 or use our online form, here on our website.
If you notice something linked to the railways, you can report concerns to the British Transport Police by texting 61016 from your mobile.
If you are a young person who is worried about your involvement, or a friend's involvement, in County Lines, a good option is to speak to an adult you trust and talk to them about your concerns.
You can also call Childline on 0800 1111. Childline is a private and confidential service where you can talk to specially trained counsellors about anything that is worrying you.
Alternatively, speak to a children's and young people's service like Catch 22. They work with children and young people of any age to help get them out of situations they're worried about, and have helped lots of children and young people involved in County Lines.
Working in partnership with other agencies, St Giles offers specialist services to help young people make a safe and sustained exit from County Lines involvement. Caseworkers offer both practical and emotional support to the young person and their family.

St Giles runs a range of services designed to help young people involved in or at risk of child criminal exploitation, including County Lines. To find out what support might be available to you, email them on info@stgilestrust.org.uk or learn more here.

Financial exploitation

Watch out for financial fraudsters looking to exploit student bank accounts for criminal gain.

Students are often targeted by criminals on social media and mobile messaging, where they are tricked into cleaning dirty money in return for ‘easy money’. Students are often targeted because they’re less likely to have a criminal record, and many will be seeking employment to support their finances whilst at university.

Learn more about student financial exploitation and how not to fall victim