Devon and Cornwall Police launch county lines exploitation campaign

Devon and Cornwall Police have opened a new public awareness campaign to highlight the hidden reality of county lines exploitation in the UK. The effort supports the national Crimestoppers initiative "Missing, controlled and exploited" and aims to break the silence surrounding child and vulnerable‑adult criminal exploitation by organised gangs.

Detective Inspector Steve Moorcroft emphasized that many incidents remain hidden and urged the public to report suspicious activity anonymously through Crimestoppers. He listed warning signs such as children repeatedly going missing, sudden behavioural changes, possession of multiple phones, expensive clothing, carrying weapons or associating with unfamiliar adults.

The police stressed that reports from the community are vital for understanding where exploitation occurs and for protecting potential victims.