Last week (25 November – 01 December) we took part in the national county lines intensification week. The focus of our activity was on safeguarding, early intervention and prevention, but we also had an intense week of targeted disruption.

The campaign was led by the National Police Chiefs’ Council, the National County Lines Co-ordination Centre and the Home Office.

County lines takes its name from the mobile phone lines used by dealers to communicate between towns and advertise drugs for sale. Those involved in county lines exploit children and young people, recruiting them to deal drugs on their behalf. Once recruited into the criminal lifestyle it can be difficult for those being exploited to leave, with fear and intimidation used to keep them on side. 

Young people involved in county lines may go missing or be out of touch for long periods, during these times, they may be at risk of harm or violence. Prevention and early intervention are a key part of keeping county lines out of our communities and last week officers worked with popular children’s author Christina Gabbitas to deliver a “no more knives” presentation. Across the county over 3500 children in Selby, Harrogate, Craven, Hambleton, Richmondshire and Scarborough have had various inputs from officers and PCSOs.

As part of the work on our latest week of intensification we are keen to encourage parents and carers to know the signs that may indicate someone is involved in county lines. They are:

With county lines drug operations often also comes serious violence, whether that be aimed inside the groups themselves, or towards rival gangs. Last week, officers worked with partners which include the British Transport Police, North Yorkshire Council, the City of York Council and Trading Standards. In total, we made nine arrests, safeguarded several vulnerable people and seized drugs, cash and weapons from various communities. Highlights from the week include:

In Scarborough, we worked with Trading Standards officers on the execution of a warrant at a vape store on Castle Road. 

As officers were in the premises, three people arrived in a vehicle which was also searched and a box containing white substances, along with a quantity of zip lock bags were found.

One man in his 30s and two men in their 40s were arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of a class- A drug. They were later released on police bail to allow further enquiries to be carried out. (NYP 12240215933).

In Riccall near Selby the local Neighbourhood Policing Team worked with our Operation Sentry Serious Organised Crime Disruption Team and a police search dog to execute a warrant at an address on Church Lane. 

A quantity of what is suspected to be cannabis was found along with tablets and blue powder. Officers also seized a machete from an outbuilding. 

A 52-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply a class A, class B and class- C drugs as well as possession of an offensive weapon in a private place. He was later released on bail to allow for further enquiries to be carried out. (NYP 12240215246).

In York, on Piccadilly officers from the British Transport Police’s county lines team have witnessed a suspected drugs deal. They stopped and searched a man in his 30s where they have found cash and tablets. 

The man was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply a class C drug. British Transport Police have then carried out a search at his home address where they have seized several mobile phones, weighing scales, a passport and a bank card in someone's else's name as well as drugs. He was later released on bail to allow for further enquiries to be carried out. (NYP 12240215726).

Detective Chief Inspector Fionna McEwan from the Force’s Serious and Organised Crime unit said: “During the latest county lines week we had a real focus on preventing, identifying and safeguarding those who are being exploited. Over 3,500 children have had key inputs on the dangers that are associated with county lines drug dealing and organised crime. This will go a long way in ensuring that young people across North Yorkshire don’t fall victim of exploitation and a criminal lifestyle. 

“On the frontline we made arrests and gathered several significant intelligence reports which will be used to prevent future crime and protect vulnerable people in our community.

“We don’t wait for the next week of intensification; we remain relentless in our approach all year round and it’s important that we have the public’s support. Remember, if something doesn’t feel right, it often isn’t, so please report it to us. Every piece of intelligence builds a picture and can help us close a criminal enterprise and prosecute county lines gangs who are targeting children, young people and the vulnerable.”

Support Services

If you are a young person who is worried about being involved in county lines, or knows someone who is, you can speak to an adult and let them know how you feel.

You can also contact www.fearless.org   who allow you to pass on information about crime anonymously.

You can also contact Childline on 0800 1111 – they are a private and confidential service where you can talk to counsellors about anything that is worrying you.

Get help for drug addiction

North Yorkshire Rise – young people's specialist drug and alcohol service- freephone 08000 14 14 80 (option 2).

North Yorkshire Horizons - adult specialist drug and alcohol service - freephone 08000 14 14 80 – nyhorizons.org.uk

York Drug and Alcohol Service – specialist support for adults and young people - 01904 464 680 - https://www.changing-lives.org.uk/find-support/york-drug-and-alcohol-services

For details on the range of sources of support in York, including York in Recovery, please see: https://www.livewellyork.co.uk/information-and-advice/health-and-wellbeing/help-for-drugs-and-alcohol-use/

DRUGFAM – Support for people affected by other people’s drug or alcohol misuse – 0300 888 3853 https://drugfam.co.uk/