County lines refers to urban gangs supplying drugs to suburban areas, as well as market and coastal towns, by using dedicated mobile phone lines or “deal lines”. Gangs use children and vulnerable people to move drugs and money to these areas. Once caught up in county lines, exploited individuals are at risk of extreme physical and/or sexual violence, gang recriminations and trafficking.

People who work in the transport, housing and security sectors are most likely to encounter individuals at risk. Drug gangs rent property where they operate and exploited children are often housed in that rented property. So as landlords, please look out for potential victims and report concerns anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111

A young person who is involved in county lines activity might show some of these signs:

•  persistently going missing from school or home, or being found out-of-area
• unexplained acquisition of money, clothes or mobile phones
• excessive receipt of texts or phone calls
• relationships with controlling, older individuals or gang association
• parental concerns, and leaving home or care without explanation
• suspicion of self-harm, physical assault or unexplained injuries
• significant decline in school performance and changes in emotional well-being

Click this link to view the County Lines for Landlords document -  Download