Police in Dorset are urging the public to help protect vulnerable people from drugs gangs as part of a campaign against county lines dealing.

The practice sees gangs from large cities use dedicated phone lines to supply drugs to smaller towns. Criminals use children and vulnerable people of all ages to courier drugs and money.

These drug dealers will often move into people’s homes – known as 'cuckooing' –to sell drugs in the local area.

Once caught up in county lines, exploited individuals are at risk of extreme physical or sexual violence, gang recriminations and trafficking.

Dorset Police has launched a campaign to raise awareness of county lines as the issue is an increasing concern in the county.

As reported recently, drug-related crime across the county has risen alarmingly in recent years –proof of how far county lines has affected the region.

Superintendent Caroline Naughton said: “Protecting the vulnerable and tackling the supply of drugs is a priority for Dorset Police, and we recognise the detrimental impact it has on local communities.

“We know that county lines is not a problem that can be solved by police efforts alone, and locally we have developed a successful neighbourhood policing response to drug issues and protecting vulnerable people who are at risk of exploitation linked to drug taking and supply.”

“Our local neighbourhood officers regularly patrol areas that are known for street dealing and carry out safeguarding visits on vulnerable people living in our communities.

“However, we rely on members of the public reporting information to us and this campaign is aimed at raising more awareness of the signs that someone could be involved in a county lines drug network.”

Signs of county lines include:

* A young person going missing from school or home

* Meeting with unfamiliar adults and/or a change in behaviour

* Using drugs and alcohol

* Money or expensive gifts they can’t account for

* A neighbour who has not been seen for a while

* More people calling at a neighbour’s home – often at unsociable hours

* Suspicious vehicles/people at a neighbour’s home

Police and Crime Commissioner Martyn Underhill said: “County lines is a growing problem, not just in Dorset but across the country. It is something the police can’t tackle alone.”

“We need the support of our communities to continue to provide information to Dorset Police about suspected drug-related offences. We’re asking residents, as well as people visiting the county, to be aware of the signs of county lines exploitation and to contact the police if they spot anything.”