The Police and Crime Commissioner says the number of active gangs has been reduced.
North Yorkshire's Police and Crime Commissioner, Philip Allot, says progress is being made in the fight against county lines drugs gangs.
Philip Allot says cooperation between police forces is helping to tackle the drug operations.
County lines is the name given to a form of organised crime in which drug dealers from urban areas exploit vulnerable people – including children – and force them to deal drugs in smaller towns and cities. It takes its name from the mobile phone lines used by dealers to communicate between towns and advertise their drugs for sale.
Philip Allot says the number of county lines gangs has been reduced significantly over the last year.
Commissioner Allot added:
“Too many still believe that because North Yorkshire is picturesque and rural, drugs are not a problem here. They are – and we need to do even more to get them off our streets and protect the young people who are exploited by dealers who travel here, force them to sell drugs and cause untold damage to their lives and the lives of those who buy and take illegal substances because they’re easily available and under pressure to do so.
“Ensuring we take prompt action to educate and enforce is one of my priorities as Commissioner. I have made that commitment clear to the Chief Constable and will ensure the force gets the resources and support it needs to protect those at risk, bring offenders to justice and keep our communities safe. I will do everything possible to protect the residents of North Yorkshire and York.”
Anyone with concerns about county lines can speak to their local police on 101 or call 999 in an emergency. If you’d rather stay anonymous you can call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
If you are a young person who is worried about being involved in county lines, or knows someone who is, you can speak to an adult and let them know how you feel.
You can also contact www.fearless.org who allow you to pass on information about crime anonymously.
You can also contact Childline on 0800 1111 – they are a private and confidential service where you can talk to counsellors about anything that is worrying you.
Get help for drug addiction
- North Yorkshire Horizons https://www.nyhorizons.org.uk/
- NHS https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/drug-addiction-getting-help/
- FRANK helpline and information https://www.talktofrank.com/
- Compass Reach (young people) https://www.compass-uk.org/services/north-yorkshire-compass-reach/
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