County Lines – Yeovil

Whilst we are fortunate in that the level of crime in this area is generally low, the press release issued by Avon & Somerset Police this week, relating to a string of drug offences, and the arrest of 10 people, highlights issues about which many of our rural communities remain in denial; ‘county lines’ and ‘cuckooing’.

‘County lines’ describes gangs and organised criminal networks involved in exporting illegal drugs, often from large cities, into other areas of the country, using dedicated mobile phone lines.

‘Cuckooing’ is where drug dealers take over the home of a vulnerable person in order to use it as a base for drug dealing.

In this case, establishing close links with the local community produced vital intelligence, with a focus on the supply of heroin and crack cocaine.

A search of 11 properties in Liverpool and Yeovil resulted in the discovery of weapons and a quantity of cash and drugs, resulting in jail sentences and/or community behaviour orders intended to restrict their movements.

What is especially frightening for me is that this type of crime is not restricted to certain age groups. Of those sentenced this week the youngest was just 19 years old, and the eldest 62.

One key area of concern about this activity is the clear intention to exploit young and vulnerable people. Gangs will often use coercion, intimidation, violence and weapons to ‘persuade’ them to store drugs and money and to move them around.

It is only by our own vigilance and close observation of those we love, and by working with others within our communities, that we can have any hope of stemming this terrible tide.

There is however a high level of fear involved when it comes to reporting crime, and often with good reason. In small communities, where everyone knows everyone there will always be fear of retribution.

However, if we allow this sort of activity to remain unchecked, it will only escalate. For those not wanting to contact the Police, there is always the option of contacting Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Whatever one’s view of drug taking, as a society we all need to consider the wider context in which people choose to do things and behave in a way which deep down they know will be detrimental to their health, and that of others.

Yes, there can be a peer pressure to ‘experiment’, but the reasons for habitual drug use, where a person is unable to function at a normal level, go much deeper, and is sadly often linked to mental health issues, where there is increasingly a lack of the professional help they need.

That is why organisations such as MIND in Somerset and Samaritans provide the vital support to get someone through the hell they are experiencing each and every day.