Have you been told to hold drugs or weapons and you don’t know what to do? Scared, worried and not sure who to talk to?

If any of this sounds familiar or like a situation you are in, our SafeCall Service is here for you. 

SafeCall is here for you, you can call or text us on 116 000, for free, confidential support. You don’t have to give us your name or any details. We can help you to talk through what is happening for you and help you to understand what choices you have.

What are County Lines?

County Lines is when criminals set up ways to transport and sell drugs from one place to another, often into smaller towns and away from big cities. They often use children to help them with this. The “lines” refer to mobile phones that the criminals use to control children who deliver drugs. These deliveries can happen in your neighbourhood or even far away from home. Sometimes, these criminals seem like friends, but they are using and manipulating young people to do illegal things for them.

What is Child Criminal Exploitation?

Child Criminal Exploitation is when young people are used by older people or people in gangs or groups, for criminal activity. This includes carrying or selling drugs or weapons, running money, being involved in robberies, hiding things or using your bank account to move money from criminal activity.

How are Missing Episodes and County Lines Connected?

When young people are caught up in County Lines, they often go missing because they are being moved around to sell drugs. This can be very dangerous and scary. The criminals may use threats and violence to keep control over the young people.

Who can be exploited?

•  Any Child or Young Person: Anyone under the age of 18 can be exploited.
•  Vulnerable Adults: Adults with vulnerabilities can be targeted.

Signs of Exploitation

• Behaviour Changes: If you or a friend suddenly start acting differently, like becoming angry, secretive, scared, sad, or controlling, this could be a sign.
• Withdrawing: Pulling away from family and friends, not wanting to hang out or talk like usual.
• Going Missing: Disappearing for short times or even days, weeks, or months without explaining where you have been.
• Unexplained Gifts: Getting new things like expensive shoes, phones, jewellery, or clothes that you cannot explain.
• Increased Phone Use: Using your phone a lot more, getting lots of messages and calls, or having multiple phones.
• School Problems: Doing worse in school, skipping classes, or getting in trouble more often.
• New Friends: Hanging out with a new group of older friends, especially ones you keep secret from your family.
• Unexplained Injuries: Having bruises, burns, cuts, or other injuries without a good explanation.
• Self-Harm: Hurting yourself on purpose.
• Carrying Weapons: Having knives or other weapons.
• Unexplained Money: Having more money than usual without an obvious reason.
• Police Trouble: Getting into trouble with the police.

What to Do

If you recognize any of these signs in your life or in a friend’s life, talk to a trusted adult, such as a teacher, parent, youth worker or Police. They can help you find safety and support.

If you or a friend is in immediate danger or it is an emergency, call 999 to get help straight away.

Call or text SafeCall on 116 000 for free, confidential help.

Or chat to us anonymously from 2:30-10:30pm using the chat button in the bottom right of your screen.

Get free, non-judgmental help 

Text or call the SafeCall team on 116 000 from 9am – 11pm, 7 days a week for help and support or for someone to simply listen to you. We will speak to you in confidence and offer help. 

Find out about other services that can help you.