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What It Is. How It Happens. How to Get Out.
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What Is County Lines?
Urban drug gangs recruit young people to carry drugs to smaller towns and cities
Over 2,000 active county lines in the UK (NCA estimate)
Children as young as 9 have been identified as victims
It uses grooming — the same tactics as sexual exploitation
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The Grooming Pathway
1. Targeting — lonely, in care, family problems
2. Trust — gifts, affection, sense of belonging
3. Isolation — separating from family and real friends
4. Control — debt bondage, threats, violence
5. Trapping — fear keeps victims compliant
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You Are a Victim — Not a Criminal
Section 45, Modern Slavery Act 2015
If you commit offences because you were exploited = statutory defence
The law recognises children cannot consent to exploitation
Coming forward protects you — it doesn't mean automatic prosecution
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Warning Signs in a Friend
Unexplained new money, phones, or clothes
Going missing — overnight or longer
New older friends you don't recognise
Becoming secretive or withdrawn
Coming back looking frightened or exhausted
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How to Get Help
📞 Crimestoppers: 0800 555 111 (anonymous)
📞 NSPCC: 0808 800 5000
🌐 ceopeducation.co.uk for online exploitation
🏫 Tell a trusted adult at school
🚨 999 if someone is in immediate danger
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And there is always a way out.
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