Parents and carers in Luton are being urged to attend a free event at Stopsley High School to learn how to protect young people from county lines exploitation, drug dealing and knife crime.
Bedfordshire Police is holding its latest ‘Not My Child’ event on Thursday 19 November, from 6pm to 9pm, giving families the chance to hear from former county lines victims and their parents, as well as access specialist advice and support.
The event comes as a new county lines team set up by Bedfordshire Police has helped secure almost 100 years of prison sentences for drug offenders since it began operating in March.
The team, which brings together intelligence, enforcement and safeguarding work, has also recovered 16 bladed weapons, seized 94 mobile phones and more than 2.3kg of Class A and B drugs, and made 44 referrals to support vulnerable people.
County lines gangs use vulnerable people, including children, to transport and sell drugs. Their criminality can also involve violence, coercion and exploitation, with organised crime groups targeting people for financial gain.
Detective Inspector Alison Whitworth, who leads Bedfordshire Police’s County Lines Team, said the safeguarding work carried out alongside investigations had been particularly important.
“While the figures so far demonstrate the scale of our activity, what has been the highlight of the efforts so far is the safeguarding work that has taken place alongside each investigation.
“Every referral represents an opportunity to help someone escape exploitation and get access to the support that they need.
“This success is a testament to the dedication of our officers, staff and the strong partnerships we’ve built across Bedfordshire. Together we’re disrupting criminal networks, preventing harm and making our communities safer.”
At the Luton event, Commander Stephen Clayman, lead for the National Knife Crime Centre, will give an overview of national efforts to tackle knife crime.
Detective Inspector Paul Connelly, also from the centre, will share practical advice on how to prevent young people from being drawn into carrying knives and criminal activity.
Superintendent Tom Stean, who is leading the ‘Not My Child’ initiative, said the events were designed to help parents recognise warning signs and know where to seek help.
“These events are designed to give parents of teenagers an insight into what to look out and what to do and who to reach out to for help and support if they believe their child is vulnerable or at risk of being exploited.
“There will be several specialist teams and organisations attending the event who can offer practical advice and support.
“We have already managed to directly safeguard children who have either been involved or in danger of being pulled into criminality as a result of previous Not My Child events.
“We’d urge all parents and carers of teenagers to attend this important event to give them the knowledge and confidence to recognise potential concerns, ask the right questions and know where to turn for support.”
The free event takes place at Stopsley High School on Thursday 19 November between 6pm and 9pm.
Tickets can be booked through Eventbrite.
Police say warning signs of county lines activity can include suspicious activity at a property, with people coming and going at unusual hours, increased antisocial behaviour, discarded needles or small plastic bags, and residents being threatened or intimidated by unfamiliar groups.
Anyone with information about suspected county lines activity can report it online to Bedfordshire Police or by calling 101. Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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