County Lines: Arrests, people safeguarded, drugs, weapons and cash seized
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The week of action targeted organised criminals who exploit children and vulnerable people.
Officers made 21 arrests (20 men and one woman) relating to drug offences. Over £1,200 worth of crack cocaine and 500 class c tablets were recovered and £13,260 in cash along with two Rolex watches. Police also seized air rifles, lock knives and machetes which will assist in reducing serious violence.
Addresses linked to cuckooing – a term used to describe how organised crime groups either befriend, manipulate or force themselves into the homes lived in by vulnerable people in order to use the property to store and sell drugs – were visited by officers. At least nine people were identified as vulnerable and at risk of criminal exploitation with officers working with partners to provide specialist support and advice to safeguard them.
Officers assisted by a couple of dogs visited Middlesbrough bus station and the college to sniff out people who may have been in possession of drugs and to act as a deterrent against organised crime and exploitation.
Properties were ordered to close after residents raised concerns of occupants causing anti-social behaviour.
Pupils and teachers at primary and secondary schools were visited by officers to educate on how organised criminals recruit youngsters to deal drugs on their behalf, the signs to look out for and how to report it. Highlighting the use of vapes provided to children by criminals with the aim of enticing them onto drugs and into their world.
Local officers also handed flyers to members of the community to inform and educate them on county lines.
The intensification week ran from Monday 4 March to Sunday 10 March. It was led by the dedicated drugs unit involving neighbourhood officers – from Stockton, Middlesbrough, Hartlepool and Redcar and Cleveland – and various departments including MATRIX, drone unit and custody.
Leading on the week of action, Detective Chief Inspector Gez Wraith said: “Protecting and preventing young children and vulnerable adults from organised criminals who go out of their way to exploit them, remains one of our top priorities.
“On a daily basis we carry out a range of activity collectively with our partners and charities to help protect our community from organised crime. This includes executing warrants and making arrests and seizures but also educating children, parents and teachers on what county lines is and how organised crime groups operate, to protect and prevent them from exploitation.”
These are some signs a child or vulnerable adult could be a victim of criminal exploitation:
- A child frequently going missing from school, home or being disengaged
- Having a new phone, bike, clothes, habits or attitudes
- Using nicknames to refer to people
- Having new and controlling relationships
- Unexplained injuries and carrying weapons
Cuckooing
- An increase in visitors or cars to a property
- People coming and going at odd times of the day and night
- Strange smells of illegal drugs coming from the property
- Cars pulling up to or near the house for short periods of time
DCI Wraith added: “We can’t disrupt this criminality on our own, we really need the public’s support in helping to drive these criminals out of the community. I’d encourage you to recognise and remember the signs to look out for and then to report it, being reassured that we will take action.
If you believe drug activity is taking place in your community or have information, please either contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or call Cleveland Police on 101.