County lines drugs gangs are a serious problem in the UK; the name comes from the fact that they operate across several counties, running drugs from cities into rural areas. The “Avon Line”, which operated between 2018 and 2021, covered Birmingham and up to Telford and Blackpool. Last month ten of the gang members were sentenced to a combined total of over forty years after a lengthy trial.
Drugs arrests are made relatively frequently for small scale offenders, but large organised gangs take longer to bring down due to the level of evidence needed, and the co-ordinated arrest pattern involved. Regardless of how long it takes to put drug dealers behind bars, it will always be a police priority because the knock on effects of drug dealing are far reaching, and influence all types of other crime.
Theft
Theft can be very closely linked to drug crime, with addicts often stealing to fund an addiction. Shoplifting, bike crime, vehicle crime, muggings and some robberies are perpetrated by drug addicts and have a considerable impact on the communities where they happen.
Violence And Antisocial Behaviour
Drug use can lead to violence and antisocial behaviour. Cocaine, amphetamines and other stimulant drugs are associated with increased anger and violence, especially when these are also consumed with alcohol.
The activity of dealers themselves can also be antisocial, with gangs loitering on streets intimidating local residents, and busy drug houses causing commotions in otherwise quiet neighbourhoods. Loud cars, loud music and fights between dealers can also significantly impact the lives of people in the vicinity. Gun and knife crime is often linked to drug gangs too, and we need hardly state how much of an issue these things are across the UK.
Abuse
County lines drug gangs often use a tactic called “cuckooing”, which involves taking over the flat of a vulnerable person, often one of the addicted customers who can’t say no or defend themselves. The flat is then used as a base for dealing and storing drugs, and when raided, the occupant is often the scapegoat as it’s their flat. This abuse of vulnerable people can be more damaging than the drugs, and means that neighbours are also exposed to the world of drug dealing and the attendant dangers.
Mental Health
The mental health impacts of drugs, whether it’s from drug abuse or from living near drug gangs and dealers, is significant and costs the NHS and the economy a significant amount in treatment and lost productivity. Anxiety, depression and psychosis are all common side effects of drug use, while anxiety and depression often impact people who are exposed to gang activity or who are under threat from it.
What Can Be Done?
Drug dealing is a major concern for the police, so any evidence you can provide will be useful. If you can covertly film drug activity, have any concrete proof of dealing, or have any information about drugs dealing let the police know. With the cooperation of the public, large gangs and smaller scale dealers can be stopped more effectively.
Home and business CCTV can be vital in identifying and prosecuting gang members, and if you have a dashcam and record anything at the roadside this can also be helpful. Our CCTV cameras provide high quality footage with secure storage.
If you live in a neighbourhood where drugs are prevalent (either being sold, used, or both), a burglar alarm and motion activated lighting can help prevent you being the victim of thieves. Ensure you keep bikes locked up, cars locked and secured and other tools or ladders secured in a garage or outbuilding so they can’t be stolen or used to break in.