Cuckooed addresses visited in the New Forest during County Lines Intensification Week

Officers visited cuckooed addresses gathered intelligence, disrupted dealers and safeguarded vulnerable people during a week of action against county lines drug dealing networks in the New Forest.

Between Monday 4 March and Sunday 10 March, teams also completed proactive foot, bicycle and vehicle patrols in identified hotspot areas across the district.

The patrols were both high-visibility and covert, with the aim being to disrupt any dealing activity, develop intelligence, safeguard vulnerable people, including young people and those being exploited by county lines networks.

Visits were also paid to known addresses for drug-related activity, where checks were completed on those residing at the properties.

Additionally, safeguarding and educational visits were completed at local schools and colleges, with the intention being to deliver key messages, as well as target and engage with any young people in contact with drug lines, or involved in gang violence.

County lines refer to when drug gangs from major cities set up networks in regional areas and use vulnerable people and children to carry, store and sell their drugs for them. The line refers to the phone line being used.

Cuckooing is where criminal gangs use threats of violence or abuse in order to take over the homes of vulnerable people to deal drugs and commit other serious crimes.

Speaking after the week of intensification, New Forest Acting Inspector Rob Blake, said: “The week of action saw our officers working extremely hard to put a dent in the district’s drug dealing operation.

“County lines can have a significant impact on crime in our communities. Targeting them is a priority for us, as we know they are associated with exploitation, organised criminality and violence.

“This week of activity was an opportunity to support and protect those who are most vulnerable to county lines - those who become victims of exploitation.

“We all have a responsibility to look for the signs of exploitation, such as a child with new clothing, an expensive phone or unexplained cash.

“Their behaviour may have also suddenly changed, or they may have suddenly started going missing.

“You are our eyes and ears, so please continue to report information about drug dealing or exploitation to us – it allows us to take action and lock up criminals.

“We will continue to target county lines networks and their associated crimes in our area, holding them to account for their actions and making their lives as difficult as possible.”

Anyone who believes that they are a victim of county lines, or has information about drug dealing in their neighbourhood can contact us on 101 or report online, always calling 999 in an emergency, or contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, by calling 0800 555 111.

The Children’s Society is a charity that supports children and vulnerable young people effected by County Lines and other crimes and abuse. Visit their website for further information.