More than 70 people safeguarded during action against County Lines in the East Midlands

From Monday 14 September, the East Midlands Special Operations Unit (EMSOU) and the five regional police forces of Nottinghamshire Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire and took part in the nationally coordinated intensification.

MORE: Man left with broken cheekbone and eye socket after Mansfield nightclub assault

Across the region search warrants were executed and the intelligence picture further developed on the County Lines threat in the East Midlands. In total, 62 people were arrested and more than £3,000 in cash and nearly £1,000-worth of Class A drugs were seized, as well as a number of bladed weapons, a stun gun and three cars.

Along with enforcement activity, transport hubs, including taxi ranks, were engaged, 68 ‘cuckooed’ addresses were visited and 73 vulnerable people were identified for safeguarding.

EMSOU’s Regional Vulnerabilities Coordinator Stuart Jones said: “Along with a concerted operational effort, the week saw us run the #LookCloser campaign, which we launched in March with The Children’s Society, to raise awareness of the signs that a young person is being exploited, as well as urge the public, and key partners and business, to look closer at the young people in their lives.

“These weeks of action offer a snap shot into the work we do around the clock, all year long, with our partners to protect vulnerable people, in particular children, against the harmful influence of County Lines gangs.”

County Lines is a form of drug dealing in which organised criminal gangs export illegal drugs, usually out of larger towns and cities, and import them into local areas across the country through use of violence and intimidation. They do this by exploiting young people and vulnerable adults to move, store and sell the drugs. They also 'cuckoo' the homes of vulnerable or drug-addicted people, using their property as a drugs base.

On a national scale, the week of activity, aw 1,041 arrests made, 1,551 vulnerable people engaged with and 861 cuckooed addresses visited. Drugs worth more than £1 million were seized, plus £526,000 in cash and 196 weapons were recovered.

MORE: A Sutton student is Cadbury's chocolate bar champion

Editor’s Message: Thank you to all who support local journalism with a print subscription. The events of 2020 mean trusted, local journalism is more reliant than ever on your support. We couldn't do it without you. Please subscribe here so we can keep campaigning on your behalf. Stay safe.