County Lines: Myth vs Fact

County Lines: Myth vs Fact 

Helping our communities stay informed and safe.

🔍 Myth: “County Lines only affects big cities.”
✔️Fact: County Lines impacts towns, villages and rural areas too. No community is too small to be targeted.

🔍 Myth: “You’d be able to spot a young person involved straight away.”
✔️Fact: Many signs are subtle. Young people may hide their involvement due to fear, grooming, or manipulation.

🔍 Myth: “It’s only teenagers who are exploited.”
✔️Fact: Vulnerable adults, including those with mental health needs or addiction issues, are also targeted. This is often through cuckooing.

🔍 Myth:  “People involved always know they’re part of criminal activity.”

✔️Fact: Many exploited young people do not realise they are victims. Victims are often groomed and may not see themselves as exploited.

🔍 Myth: “County Lines is mainly about drug dealing – there isn’t much violence involved.”

✔️Fact:  County Lines is strongly linked to serious violence, including knife crime, coercion, and exploitation.

If you see something that doesn’t seem right, trust your instincts. You don’t need certainty. If something feels wrong, report it. Even small details can help safeguard someone.

📞 999 – Immediate danger
📞101 – Share information with police
🔐Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 – Report anonymously

Together, we can protect those most at risk.