Lancashire Police has said “if something seems too good to be true, it usually is” as efforts to crack down on child exploitation by criminals begin.

Police services across the North West have launched the Eyes Open campaign which aims to raise awareness of child exploitation by gangs and county lines drug dealing.

It intends to educate young people, their parents and carers about the dangers of grooming, exploitation and the deceptive tactics used by gangs to run their drug lines.

County lines refer to the networks criminal gangs use to distribute drugs from cities to smaller towns and rural areas, with children often trafficked to these areas by gangs to do their bidding.

Lancashire Police’s County Lines lead, Detective Superintendent Mark Riley, said: “By combining efforts with our neighbouring forces, we can better target county lines gangs operating in the region.     

“It is so important to raise awareness of the signs of county lines in both our young people, parents and guardians, schools and professionals as staying vigilant to these signs is key to protecting those at risk.     

“At Lancashire, we are committed to uncovering and dismantling these lines, not only to safeguard our young people but also to reduce the flow and access to drugs and other illegal materials in Lancashire.     

“I would urge anyone who suspects their friends or family members of being exploited through county lines to come forward and report what they know.     

“And remember, if something seems too good to be true, it usually is!”     

County lines operations rely heavily on the exploitation of children and young people to transport and sell drugs across different locations.

Once the child is dependent on the gang, they are coerced into criminal activities, often with threats, violence and manipulation.

Families and loved ones of the child are also threatened. 

Research commissioned by Eyes Open revealed three-quarters of parents are aware of the term county lines, but only 39 per cent referred to children, vulnerable people or exploitation with many saying it was simply “the transportation of drugs” and “drug dealing”.

The campaign highlights the predatory nature of gangs and how they groom children through gifts.

It also hopes to empower parents and young people to recognise the signs of exploitation and where they can go to get support.

Officer's new campaign resources will show young people that there is always a catch to ‘free’ gifts like designer clothes, vapes or expensive bikes.

Also features across social media and digital channels and through educational workshops to reach young people and their parents and carers.

After conducting extensive research through focus groups, lived experience case studies and ensuring that it accurately represents the diverse experiences of those affected.

Since 2019, police forces closed more than 5,600 lines nationally and referred 8,800 individuals to safeguarding services.

The police treat all children involved in county lines as potential victims and work with a range of partners to put safeguarding measures in place to get exploited people out of harm’s way.  

Eyes Open supports the work of police and partners by raising awareness of county lines, encouraging communities to spot the signs and be more informed to help break the cycle of exploitation and grooming.  

If you believe that someone may be being exploited in this way, you can give information anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Additionally, if you think someone is in immediate danger dial 999.