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What It Is. How It Happens. How to Get Out.

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

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

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

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• Becoming secretive or withdrawn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

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.