Bedfordshire Police – ‘Lost Boys’ campaign
Bedfordshire Police – ‘Lost Boys’ campaign
Bedfordshire Police have recently launched a new campaign urging the public to help break county drugs lines operating in Bedfordshire by spotting the signs of exploitation and drug related criminality. We will be hosting local policing teams at Vandyke later in the year, where they will deliver their virtual reality film, produced by RIVR and local theatre group Next Generation Youth Theatre, highlighting the risks of becoming involved in county lines. The film tells the fictional story of Rhys, a 14-year-old boy from Bedfordshire who is gradually groomed into becoming a runner for a county drugs line; what starts as a small favour for a friend, ends Rhys facing a significant amount of time behind bars after a violent encounter with a fellow drugs gang member.
Exploitation can happen to any child or young person, regardless of background, ethnicity, age, gender or religion. There are several signs to look out for that may indicate someone is involved in county lines:
> repeatedly going missing from school or home and being found in other areas
> having money, new clothes or electronic devices and they can’t explain how they paid for them
> getting high numbers of texts or phone calls, being secretive about who they’re speaking to
> decline in school or work performance
> significant changes in emotional or physical well-being
Find out more about county lines, including what they are and how they operate.
We know that it can be extremely worrying if you believe your child is involved in county lines activity or being exploited. There are many organisations who can offer advice and support specifically for parents.
> St Giles
Signs a county drugs line might be operating in your area include:
> Suspicious activity at a property, such as people coming and going at all hours
> An increase in anti-social behaviour, such as littering, vandalism, noise and street drinking
> Finding drug paraphernalia such as discased needles, small plastic bags or other drug-related items
> Residents being threatened or feeling intimidated by groups of people who haven’t been seen in the area before
You can report concerns online by using the following links.
> Crimestoppers – 0800 555 111 or Crimestoppers-uk.org/fearless
