The Cumbria Serious Violence Duty Response Strategy sets out our plans for tackling serious violence in Cumbria through a partnership approach. The strategy is in response to the Serious Violence Duty which requires the relevant authorities of Police, Local Authorities, Integrated Care Boards, Fire & Rescue Services, and the Probation Services to work together to prevent and reduce serious violence in their local areas.
Under the Duty the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner has a convening roll and has worked with all responsible authorities in the production of this strategy.
The Safer Cumbria Partnership provides a platform for the partner organisations involved, alongside the wider third sector and voluntary network, to work collaboratively to deliver a co-ordinated approach to Criminal Justice, Combatting Drugs, Serious Violence and Counter Terrorism across Cumbria.
County Lines
County lines is the name given to drug dealing where organised criminal groups (OCGs) use phone lines to move and supply drugs, usually from cities into smaller towns and rural areas.
They exploit vulnerable people, including children and those with mental health or addiction issues, by recruiting them to distribute the drugs. This is often referred to as ‘drug running’. Criminals may also use a vulnerable person’s home as their base of operations. This is known as ‘cuckooing’.
Children and young people involved in county lines may go missing or be out of touch for long periods. During these times, they may be at risk of harm or violence.
If you are reporting a child as missing, you should look out for signs they may be getting exploited. You should note:
- transport they may be using
- people they may be with
- people they may be in contact with
You can seek additional support from Missing People's SafeCall service, which is dedicated to those impacted by county lines.
Further information and support
The National Crime Agency County Lines website explains more about county lines and indicators of exploitation in your area.
Safe 4 Me has details about support services nationally for young people impacted by Child Criminal and Sexual Exploitation. They also have lots of information regarding specific forms of exploitation, understanding trauma, rights and the law and much more.
The Safeguarding Network have helpful tips for understanding indicators of exploitation and what may make a young person more vulnerable to being exploited.
The NSPCC offers guidance on understanding specific apps and platforms that young people may be using.
- You can report serious and organised activity to Crimestoppers anonymously here