GMP support North West Regional Organised Crime Unit ‘Eyes Open’ county lines campaign
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) is supporting the 'Eyes Open' campaign by the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit (NWROCU) to combat county lines drug operations and protect vulnerable children from exploitation by criminal gangs. The campaign educates communities on grooming tactics used by gangs, such as offering gifts and threats of violence, and highlights recent enforcement actions, including drug seizures and arrests. It also provides guidance on spotting signs of exploitation and reporting concerns.
Police Launch ‘Eyes Open’ Campaign to Shield Children from Drug Gang Exploitation
Greater Manchester Police unveiled a major initiative Tuesday to protect children from criminal networks that groom vulnerable youth into ferrying drugs across the region through so-called county lines operations. The Eyes Open campaign, backed by four neighboring police forces, targets gangs who lure children with gifts before trapping them in cycles of violence and blackmail.
Detective Superintendent Joe Harrop, Head of Serious and Organised Crime for Programme Challenger, revealed that Greater Manchester’s specialized County Lines Taskforce has arrested 101 suspects and charged 91 people since January, while seizing 22.7kg of illegal drugs and making 128 safeguarding referrals. The wider force has confiscated 1,890kg of drugs and charged 140 individuals in the same period.
“Children who are used by gangs to deal drugs are victims of exploitation,” Harrop stated. “Protecting children and vulnerable people is our priority and we will always seek to safeguard and support them wherever possible.”
The campaign warns parents to watch for teenagers exhibiting sudden secrecy, unexplained possessions, or friendships with older individuals. Key red flags include possessing multiple phones, receiving gifts from unknown adults, or being found far from home. Authorities emphasize that grooming signs often mirror typical adolescent behavior, urging caregivers to trust their instincts when patterns feel wrong.
The initiative operates across Greater Manchester, Merseyside, North Wales, Lancashire and Kent, partnering with organizations including Catch 22 and Safecall to provide specialist support for exploited youth. Residents can report suspicions anonymously through Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111 or via their youth-focused Fearless platform.
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