Are you Listening?
Are You Listening is a film about four young people who are being exploited. Although all of its characters are fictional they represent real experiences. It is important to understand that young people who are caught up in this type of activity often do not see themselves as victims as those who are exploiting them make them feel important, respected and looked after.
In the film the signs of Child Criminal Exploitation – known as CCE, are being made obvious to adults however the adults fail to listen to what they are being told and miss opportunities to help.
Let’s work together to put an end to this type of abuse. Here is information to provide more understanding about Child Criminal Exploitation, County Lines and its terminology and where to get support with helping a child involved in Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE).
Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE) is a term used to describe when children and young people (boys and girls) are manipulated or coerced into committing crimes.
Criminals are using children all across the UK.
They groom young people to carry out illegal activity on their behalf – such as selling and storing drugs, carrying weapons and committing burglary, robbery or theft.
Currently across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland children and young people aged between seven and 17 being used by criminals.
Some children are also made to feel like they have no choice and will be scared to speak out about what is happening.
It is important to remember children are often preyed on because they are vulnerable.
County lines is the name given to drug dealing where organised criminal groups (OCGs) use phone lines to move and supply drugs, usually from cities into smaller towns and rural areas.
They exploit vulnerable people, including children and those with mental health or addiction issues, by recruiting them to distribute the drugs.
The ‘county line’ refers to the phone used to conduct the drug deals.
Criminals exploit children and vulnerable adults to move and store drugs and money using coercion, intimidation, violence, sexual violence and weapons.
Going county /OT/ Going Crunch: travelling to another town or city to deliver drugs or money
Trapping: can mean either selling drugs or moving them
Trap House: a place where drugs are made or sold, a young person involved in Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE) is likely to be made to stay there for days at a time
Trap Line: the phone used to sell drugs
Cuckooing: when a vulnerable person’s house is overtaken by drug gangs to use as their base, often via violence or intimidation
Shotter: a drug dealer
G: one gram of drugs
Q: one quarter of drugs
The Children’s Society Slang Dictionary [PDF] is full of examples of language used.
If you think a child could be involved in this type of activity, you can contact us on 101 or online. You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.
If you suspect a child is in immediate danger always call 999.
You can also call your local council children’s team for advice:
- Leicester City Council - 0116 4541004
- Leicestershire County Council - 0116 3059521
- Rutland County Council - 01572 758407 or their out of hours number is 0116 3050005
Other agencies such as the Children’s Society, the NSPCC, Childline, Crimestoppers and Catch 22 also have information and support which can help.
Are you Listening has been funded by the LLR Violence Reduction Network (VRN). Leicestershire Police led on its creation and was supported with its roll out by local partners.
Know the signs of County Lines
There are several signs to look out for that may indicate someone is involved in county lines:
Keeping unsociable hours, being withdrawn, quiet and reserved.
Not recognising this group of friends, being different from their usual friendship groups. Seeing them getting into cars you don’t recognise.
Being in trouble with the police and/or found in possession of drugs.
Being anxious, frightened, angry or displaying out of character behaviours.
As a result of self-harm or physical assault.
Having money, new clothes or electronic devices but they can't explain how they paid for them.
Changes in attitudes towards their education, disengaging with teachers / lessons, playing truant or facing being expelled.
Getting high numbers of texts or phone calls, being secretive about who they're speaking to.
Visit our County Lines web page for further information.