County Lines Update

We are passing out this update about County Lines in partnership with Staffordshire Police who continue to support all local schools in addressing the ‘County Lines’ challenge which affect all communities, including Lichfield and the surrounding area.

County Lines is a term used to describe the activity of organised criminal gangs (OCGs) who exploit young and vulnerable people into the distribution of illegal drugs within the county. These gangs target and manipulate young people into moving and storing drugs and money. They often do this using blackmail, intimidation and violence.

Staffordshire Police have two key objectives regarding County Lines. Firstly, to arrest members of the OCGs who target young people. Secondly, to identify young people who are at risk of being drawn into such criminality and divert them away from such exploitation.

All parents can play their part by looking out for signs that may suggest someone is involved in County Lines:

* Repeatedly going missing from school or home and being found out of area.
* A notable decline in school or work performance.
* Having money, new clothes, or expensive items which they cannot explain how they paid for them.
* Getting more texts or phone calls than usual and being secretive about who they are from.
* Showing significant changes in emotional or physical well-being.
* Having injuries that they cannot explain.

Staffordshire Police emphasise that: “No one school in Staffordshire is more or less affected by these problems and we know that the overwhelming majority of young people will never be affected by the issue. However, a conversation with your child about County Lines will help collectively to make a difference.”

Matt Allman, Headteacher, added: “This is a live issue and one that no parent can presume will never embroil their child. Again, most children will be unaffected but for those that are targeted the effects are devastating. Both our school and Staffordshire Police work together to protect Friary children and we know Friary parents will be keen to do their bit too.”