Crimestoppers launches national campaign as police estimate up to 11,600 children could be at risk

CHILDREN are being groomed, manipulated and placed in dangerous situations by county lines gangs, Crimestoppers has warned as it launches a new national awareness campaign.

The independent charity is urging members of the public to recognise the warning signs of exploitation and report concerns safely and anonymously.

County lines gangs use children and vulnerable adults to transport drugs, money and weapons between different towns and cities. Young people may be sent far from home and subjected to violence, intimidation, threats and isolation.

Police estimate that as many as 11,600 children could be at risk of county lines exploitation.

More than 2,600 children were identified as being linked to county lines activity during the past year, although authorities believe the true figure is likely to be significantly higher.

Going missing from home is one of the clearest warning signs.

Around 200,000 missing-child reports are made each year, with many involving children who disappear repeatedly. Each episode can increase the risk of exploitation, violence and other forms of harm.

Young people caught up in county lines networks may be taken to unfamiliar areas and feel unable to ask for help because they have been threatened, coerced or made to believe they will be punished.

Violence is also frequently used to maintain control.

Children may be pressured into carrying knives or other weapons in the belief that doing so will protect them. Crimestoppers warned that carrying a weapon instead places them at even greater risk of serious injury, arrest or death.

The effects can spread across entire communities, contributing to violence, drug dealing and antisocial behaviour.

Vulnerable adults may also be targeted through a practice known as “cuckooing”, where criminals take over a person’s home and use it as a base for drug dealing or other illegal activity.

Warning signs that a child may be at risk include unexplained gifts, money, new clothes or mobile phones, increased secrecy, changes in behaviour and frequent or unexplained absences.

Hayley Fry, National Manager for Wales at Crimestoppers, said: “County lines exploitation is often hidden in plain sight and can affect any family or community.

“Children are being manipulated and placed in dangerous situations, while those responsible remain in the background.

“We know people may feel unsure about coming forward, but you can tell us what you know while staying completely anonymous.

“No names, no statements, just information that could help protect a young person from harm.”

Anyone with information about county lines activity, or concerns that a young person may be at risk, can contact Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111 or visiting the charity’s website.

Crimestoppers does not ask callers for their name or personal details, and information provided cannot be traced.

Young people can also access advice and submit information anonymously through Fearless.org, the charity’s dedicated youth service.

WILDLIFE at Pembroke’s Mill Pond beauty spot may be being killed after being deliberately targeted by what appears to be catapult attacks, the town council has said.

The beauty spot close to the town’s castle has long been a haunt of swans and other wildlife, and concerns have been raised recently that several reported deaths of animals may be related to levels of algae present in the pond.

In a statement issued by Pembroke Town Council it said it has received a number of comments and enquiries from concerned residents regarding deceased wildlife recently found at Pembroke Mill Pond.

“We are aware that there has been speculation on social media suggesting that the deaths may be linked to the water quality or algae currently present in the pond. We would like to reassure residents that this is not the case.

“For the past seven years, Pembroke Town Council has employed Aqua Clear to help manage algae growth and control the spread of reeds within the pond. This ongoing work has been highly successful, with algae levels reducing by approximately 45 per cent since the programme began. The pond’s water quality continues to be monitored and remains in good condition.

“Following reports from residents, council representatives visited the pond and retrieved some of the deceased wildlife.

“On examination, it appears that around five different animals had suffered injuries consistent with being intentionally targeted using a catapult. This is an extremely distressing and cruel act against wildlife.

“The matter has been reported to the Wildlife Crime Officers, who are aware of the incident and will be investigating.

“Pembroke Town Council strongly condemns any form of cruelty towards wildlife and would encourage anyone who witnesses this type of behaviour, or has any information that may assist enquiries, to report it immediately. Information can be provided anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

“We would like to thank residents for bringing this matter to our attention and for their continued care and concern for Pembroke Mill Pond and the wildlife that calls it home.”

Pembrokeshire County Council has been contacted for a statement.

Businesses and members of the public across the Dyfed-Powys area are being urged to check banknotes carefully after fake currency was reported in Builth Wells

DYFED-POWYS POLICE has issued a warning after receiving an increased number of reports of counterfeit £20 notes being circulated in the Builth Wells area.

Although the reports have so far centred on the town, the warning is relevant to businesses and residents across the force area, particularly with thousands of visitors expected to travel to Powys for the Royal Welsh Show.

Police are urging shopkeepers, hospitality businesses, market traders, taxi drivers and members of the public to examine any £20 notes they receive.

A genuine Bank of England polymer £20 note contains several security features. When the note is tilted from side to side, the word “twenty” inside the oval hologram should change to “pounds”.

The holographic section should also appear multicoloured when moved. Genuine polymer notes have a smooth, slightly glossy texture, with raised printing on areas including the words “Bank of England”.

Signs that a note could be counterfeit include the word “twenty” failing to change when the note is tilted, the holographic section remaining silver and the note having an unusual texture or thickness.

On some fake notes, the holographic patch may also appear out of alignment because it has been glued into place.

Police are also warning people to look out for so-called “prop notes”, which may have the words “prop” or “copy” printed on them.

In some cases, these words are covered with a foil sticker intended to resemble the security hologram on a genuine banknote. Police said these notes are still considered counterfeit under UK law, even when the wording remains visible.

Anyone who suspects they have received a counterfeit note should avoid attempting to spend it and should report the matter to police.

Possessing or knowingly using counterfeit currency is a serious criminal offence which can carry a prison sentence of up to ten years and an unlimited fine.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, email [email protected] or call 101.

People who are deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired can text the non-emergency number on 07811 311 908.

Information can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.