What are the signs?
What are the signs that a child may be being targeted by criminal gangs?
A young person's involvement in county lines activity often leaves signs. A person might exhibit some of these signs, either as a member or as an associate of a gang dealing drugs. Any sudden changes in a person's lifestyle should be discussed with them.
Some potential indicators of county lines involvement and exploitation are listed below, with those at the top of particular concern:
- persistently going missing from school or home and / or being found out-of-area
- unexplained acquisition of money, clothes, or mobile phones
- excessive receipt of texts / phone calls and/or having multiple handsets
- relationships with controlling / older individuals or groups
- leaving home / care without explanation
- suspicion of physical assault / unexplained injuries
- parental concerns
- carrying weapons
- significant decline in school results / performance
- gang association or isolation from peers or social networks
- self-harm or significant changes in emotional well-being.
What can parents do?
It is important to remember that you are not to blame, criminal groups exploit the young, the vulnerable and those that are within easy reach. No matter how confident or secure you may feel the child in your care is, the group will present themselves as whatever is missing, or with what the child wants or feels that they need. However, once they have them, often their treatment of your child will change to coercion, bullying and exploitation.
It's important to remember that the child is just as much a victim and there are things you can do to help stop your child from being involved or to help them get out.
Here are some helpful tips:
- talk to your child and listen - you are looking for open, honest and non-judgemental communication without anger
- encourage them to get involved in positive activities and to think about their future and employment
- get involved in your child's school activities
- know your child's friends and their families
- always know where your child is and who they are with
- help them to cope with pressure and how to deal with conflict without the use of violence
- speak to them about the serious consequences of violent or illegal behaviour
- help them to understand the dangers of being in a gang and find alternative constructive ways to use their time
- keep lines of communication open
- be aware of what your child is doing on the internet
- look for ways of disciplining children that do not involve harshness, anger or violence
- work with other parents and schools to watch their behaviour
- talk about your child's behaviour with their school and other parents
If you suspect your child is already involved, remember that they may not want to talk about it or may be scared. It is important that they know you want to listen and support them. Make sure they know they have a choice. Stay calm, ask questions, but listen too. Don't be afraid of confrontation, but try not to approach them with anger and accusations. Try to understand the situation from their point of view and why they have joined the gang. Ask them what you can do to help. Try to agree on what they should do next. Work with them to find solutions and choices.
What will happen if you report your child?
If you are concerned that your child is being exploited or is at risk of being exploited by gangs then you can refer in for support and guidance.
Southend-on-Sea City Council Children's Services Department have a specialist team that can provide education, guidance and support and we treat all children as victims first.
Who can you contact?
If you wish to tell us something then you can contact us on the SeeTheSigns@southend.gov.uk or pass on information anonymously at the See The Signs website.
If you have a safeguarding concern, then you can contact the Child Protection team on 01702 215007 or via email. An out of working hours telephone number is also available: 0345 606 1212
If you are worried, please call us. You will not be wasting our time. A team of Essex Police officers and staff are on standby to listen, help and offer advice. The line is open Monday to Friday 08:00 to 16:00 with a voicemail facility outside of these hours.
If you need to report a crime then please ring the Police on 101 and in an emergency call 999.