Results of national week of action on 'county lines' gangs released after blitz supported by South Yorkshire Police

A total of 33 guns and 219 knives were seized as part of the blitz, which was supported by South Yorkshire Police.

So called ‘county lines’ gangs are involved in the exploitation of young people recruited to expand their criminal networks into new areas.

Those groomed by the gangs and who become embroiled in criminality are often used to divert attention away from those at the top of the chains.

During the operation 80 drug dealing networks were identified through seized mobile phones.

The National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for county lines, Deputy Assistant Commissioner Graham McNulty, said: “The police response to county lines has increased substantially over the past 18 months, we have been relentless in pursuing those behind the line whilst doing everything possible to rescue those being exploited.

“Intensification weeks like this allow us to dedicate a burst of activity and resources nationally, highlighting to the public our absolute determination to rid communities of this abhorrent crime.

“We will use all the powers available to us to tackle every element of the county line network because we know the effect violence and crimes associated with county lines can have in our communities.

“It is vital that everyone looks out for the signs of exploitation. This may be a child with unexplained cash, a new expensive phone or clothing, suddenly going missing, in possession of rail tickets or taxi receipts, a change in behaviour and new people suddenly appearing at a house or flat. If you are concerned then please contact your local police force or call Crimestoppers.”

Policing Minister Kit Malthouse said: “We are determined to make our communities safer, which means removing illegal drugs from the streets, protecting vulnerable people, and putting the gangs exploiting them behind bars.

“County lines is a pernicious form of crime, where gangs to export illegal drugs from big cities to rural areas – often abusing vulnerable adults and children in the process.”

Call South Yorkshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

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