Don't take the bait

The Don’t take the bait campaign raises awareness of the tactics county lines gangs use to exploit children.

‘County lines’ is a term used to describe when drugs are sent from big cities into smaller towns. Often, children or teenagers are used to transport the drugs.

People involved with county lines may use social media to try to recruit others into transporting drugs. They may offer gifts or money in exchange for carrying packages on the train for them.

They may act like friends or like what they are asking you to do is no big deal – but it’s a trap.

The person carrying the drugs is in a risky situation and will receive very little money compared to the rest of the gang. They’re often trapped or scammed into continuing to work for the line. The gang might arrange for someone to be robbed, meaning that they believe they are in debt and have to work for free.  

British Transport Police carry out operations on the rail network across England, Scotland and Wales every day to stop county lines drugs being moved between locations. We always treat children involved in a county lines as potential victims and have experts that will put safeguarding measures in place to get exploited people out of harm’s way. 

If you know who is exploiting young people in this way, you can give information 100% anonymously at fearless.org. Fearless are not the police, they are a charity. Anonymous means your identity is completely unknown.