Free awareness event - County Lines, Cuckooing and Child Exploitation

Warwick District Council will be running an awareness event on 2 March 2020 at the Royal Spa Centre, Leamington around County Lines, Cuckooing and Child Exploitation.

There will be three sessions running throughout the day at 10am, 1pm and 3.30pm. Each session will last approximately 2 ¼ hours.

Event programme

• Introduction: Councillor Falp / Police & Crime Commissioner Seccombe

• Speaker: Sergeant Simon Ryan, Warwickshire Police. Simon will provide an insight into the local issues relating to County Lines and Cuckooing.

• Theatre Production: Loudmouth. Loudmouth have a long history of working on child exploitation (CE) issues including Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) and criminal exploitation such as County Lines. This powerful and thought provoking training gives participants an insight into the real experiences of those affected by child exploitation, helping participants to spot signs of grooming and understand how they can help to protect and support children and young people.

• The training uses drama from our long running and successful Working for Marcus education programme and allows participants to really unpick the complexity of the issues in a safe environment. 

• Closing remarks and direction to information stalls

What is County Lines?

'County Lines' is a term used when drug gangs from big cities expand their operations to smaller towns including the Warwick District, often using violence to drive out local dealers and exploiting children and vulnerable people to sell drugs. These dealers will use dedicated mobile phone lines, known as 'deal lines', to take orders from drug users.

What is Cuckooing?

Cuckooing is a practice where people take over a person’s home and use the property to facilitate exploitation. It takes the name from cuckoos who take over the nests of other birds.

What is Child Exploitation?

Child Exploitation (CE) is a type of abuse. When a child or young person is exploited they're given things such as, gifts, drugs, money, status and affection, in exchange for carrying out criminal or sexual activity.

Why should you attend?

County Lines, Cuckooing and CE is happening in the Warwick District and can have a devastating impact on local communities. These sessions will give you the knowledge and support to spot the signs and information on how to report your concerns. 

How do I book?

If you would like to attend one of the sessions please email joepatterson@warwickshire.gov.uk or Jon.Barnett@warwickdc.gov.uk with the time of the session you plan to attend (either 10am, 1pm or 3.30pm).