Eyes Open
Eyes Open is a campaign to raise awareness about the growing issue of child criminal exploitation and county lines.
Merseyside Police has co-developed the campaign alongside the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit (NWROCU), North Wales Police, Lancashire Police, Greater Manchester Police and Kent & Medway Violence Reduction Unit.
Our mission is to educate communities and protect vulnerable children from falling prey to criminal gangs.
County lines refers to the networks used by gangs to distribute drugs from cities to smaller towns and rural areas. These operations rely heavily on the exploitation of children and young people, who are used to transport and sell drugs across different locations.
Merseyside Police has a team dedicated to disrupting county lines drug dealing and supporting those who are victims of exploitation. Under Project Medusa, officers work with other forces across the UK utilising intelligence, plain clothes tactics and sophisticated technology to tackle drugs gangs up and down the country.
The police treat all children involved in county lines as potential victims and work with a range of partners to put safeguarding measures in place to get exploited people out of harm’s way.
We are committed to tackling county lines drug dealing and supporting vulnerable victims of exploitation.
Too Good To Be True
Our latest campaign highlights the ways gangs will groom children through the promises of gifts, attention and a ‘better’ life, only to find themselves trapped in dangerous situations.
Initially, these ‘free’ gifts may seem harmless – new clothes, gadgets, or money. But there’s always a catch.
They are part of a calculated strategy to gain the child’s trust and loyalty. Once the child is dependent on the gang, they are coerced into criminal activities, often with threats of violence and blackmail. Families and loved ones of the child are also threatened.
If you believe that someone may be being exploited in this way, you can give information 100% anonymously to Crimestoppers. Crimestoppers are not the police, they are a charity. Anonymous means your identity is completely unknown. If you think someone is in immediate danger, dial 999.
Remember, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is.
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For more information about the Eyes Open campaign, including the signs of grooming and exploitation, visit: https://eyes-open.co.uk.