Serious Violence and Organised Crime

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.

Serious Violent Duty Response Strategy

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.

Missing People's SafeCall Service

National Crime Agency County Lines Website

Safeguarding Network

Safe 4 Me

Report serious and organised activity to Crimestoppers anonymously here

Guidance understanding specific apps and platforms that young people may be using