During the past week across the East Midlands, various seizures and safeguarding initiatives were carried out as part of a national County Lines Intensification Week focusing on child exploitation.
Between Monday 4 March and Sunday 10 March, teams in our Regional Organised Crime Unit (ROCU), partnered with national taskforces and officers and staff from the five forces (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Northamptonshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire) to jointly enforce and engage in initiatives aimed at targeting County Lines drug dealers, safeguarding vulnerable individuals, and increasing awareness of the crime.
Over the week, we engaged with and safeguarded 84 vulnerable individuals, including 53 children, with 67 visits conducted at suspected cuckooed addresses and 112 arrests being made.
Significant seizures took place throughout the week, with over £40,000 worth of Class A drugs, 32 weapons and approximately £37,000+ in cash seized and 19 deal lines closed across the region.
EMSOU also joined forces with the Children’s Society and British Transport Police to promote awareness about County Lines practises and the indicators for identifying and safeguarding potential victims. Huge amounts of awareness raising was undertaken across the region, reaching more than 116,000 people. We secured support from several professional football clubs across the Premier League and Football League, as well as county cricket, supporting the Children’s Society #LookCloser campaign and engaging more than 50,000 people. Engagement efforts also reached schools and businesses across the East Midlands.
#LookCloser and call 101 to report your concerns, or text British Transport Police at 61016 when using the rail network. For anonymous reporting, contact Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111. In emergencies, always dial 999.
For a more detailed breakdown of the results in your area, refer to the specific force website.