Discover how these criminal networks exploit children as young as seven years old.
Unpacking the dangers of County Line gangs, how children are recruited, and what we can do to protect them.
Date: 18th February 2025 | Author: Hannah Gosset
County Lines refers to criminal gangs that expand their operations from urban areas to rural locations, using dedicated phone lines to facilitate the ordering and selling of drugs.
These gangs frequently use vulnerable children, forcing them to transport drugs and money across the country. There are hundreds ofCounty Lines gangs operating in the UK.
County Line gangs target children as young as seven, often exploiting their circumstances, like missing family support, poverty, or a desire for quick money. Once recruited, children are pressured into delivering drugs and collecting payments, putting them in dangerous situations with devastating consequences.
Transport hubs, like train stations, play a significant role in the movement of drugs, with officers regularly conducting raids and arrests.
Social media platforms like Snapchat and Instagram are often used by County Lines gangs to recruit children. The gangs prey on vulnerable young people by offering false promises of wealth and status.
These platforms allow for easy communication and offer anonymity, which makes it difficult for authorities to track and prevent the exploitation.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, and in the current climate of economic hardship, more children became susceptible to the influence of these gangs.
Recruitment methods now often involve luring children with offers of “work,” which turn out to be coercive and exploitative activities.
The UK police have significantly stepped up efforts to crack down on the spread of County Lines gangs.
Nationwide police operations have led to thousands of arrests, and hundreds of County Lines have been shut down. But there are still thousands operating, who continue to exploit vulnerable young people.
The human cost of County Lines exploitation is devastating.
One tragic case that made headlines was the death of 14-year-old Kelyan Bokassa, who was killed during a gang-related stabbing. Kelyan had been groomed by gang members from a young age, and despite his mother’s efforts to protect him, he was caught in their dangerous web. His death is a stark reminder of the extreme risks children face when they become entangled with these criminal gangs (The Guardian).
The emotional and physical toll on children involved in County Lines exploitation can be profound. The trauma, violence, and fear that accompany this lifestyle can have lifelong consequences.
It’s important to be aware of the signs that a child may be involved in County Lines activities. These include:
Being vigilant and acting early can make all the difference in preventing further harm to a child who may be involved in County Lines exploitation.
At Railway Children, we are committed to protecting and safeguarding vulnerable children from County Lines gangs.
We work closely with British Transport Police, schools, and local communities to raise awareness of this issue and provide support to at-risk children.
Our focus is on early intervention, offering resources and guidance to help prevent children from being recruited into these dangerous networks.
We aim to create a supportive environment where children feel safe and can access the help they need. Our work includes outreach programmes, training for professionals, and advocacy for policy changes to improve the protection of children across the UK.
The fight against County Lines gangs is ongoing, and we need your help. If you suspect a child is being exploited or involved in criminal activities, please report it. Together, we can make a real difference and protecting more children from being exploited.
For more information on how you can get involved and help protect vulnerable children, click the link below.
We collaborated with rail partners for a powerful Day of Action to raise awareness of safeguarding issues along the West Coast Main Line.
We’re proud to announce the launch of 14 new support desks across Tanzania, along with national guidelines for supporting vulnerable people.
Railway Children call for further measures to protect vulnerable young people from criminal exploitation.
Millie, 20, shares the story of how she came out, and offers advice to anyone who might be going through a similar experience.
How we empower LGBTQ+ young people to embrace their true selves
In a community near Ghaziabad station in India, poverty and child labour are daily realities. But one young girl refused to give up on her education.
