Gangs and Violence - NENC

Gangs aren’t just groups of mates hanging out; they often have a hierarchy, criminal activity, and use violence or threats to maintain control. Not all gangs look the same, and they don’t always wear specific colours or symbols. Some gangs may operate more discreetly but are just as dangerous. It’s not always obvious when someone is part of a gang, but there are some warning signs to look out for, such as:

• Unexplained money or gifts – If someone suddenly has expensive clothing, trainers, gadgets, or cash but can’t explain where they got it from, they might be involved with a gang.
• Changes in behavior – Becoming withdrawn, secretive, aggressive, or skipping school can all be signs of gang involvement.
• New friendships or contacts – Being introduced to older friends or contacts who seem to have control over them. They might start distancing themselves from childhood friends or family.
• Carrying weapons – Gangs often encourage or force young people to carry knives or other weapons for “protection,” increasing their risk of violence or arrest.
• Unusual travel patterns – Regularly going to places far from home without a clear reason, possibly for county lines drug running. They may frequently travel by train, bus, or taxi.
• Substance misuse – Getting involved in drugs or alcohol can sometimes be a sign of deeper problems, including gang exploitation.
• Increased secrecy – Avoiding questions about their whereabouts, new friendships, or frequent phone calls from unknown numbers.
• Using gang-related slang or signs – They might start using new words, phrases, or symbols associated with gang culture.
• Displaying gang-affiliated clothing or behaviour – Some gangs wear specific colours, styles of clothing, or even tattoos and hand signs to identify themselves.
• Possessing multiple mobile phones – Gangs often provide their members with ‘burner’ phones for drug deals and gang communications.
• Unexplained injuries or fights – Being involved in fights, having bruises, cuts, or other signs of violence with no clear explanation.
• Fear or paranoia – Looking over their shoulder, showing signs of anxiety, or being constantly on edge, possibly fearing repercussions from rival gangs or law enforcement.

Not everyone who exhibits these signs is in a gang, but if you notice multiple warning signs in someone, they may be at risk of gang involvement. The earlier someone seeks help, the better the chance of avoiding serious consequences

County lines is a form of organised crime where gangs from big cities, like London or Birmingham, expand drug networks into smaller towns, including Southampton, Portsmouth, Bournemouth, and beyond. Young people are used to transport and sell drugs, often travelling long distances and staying away from home for days or weeks at a time.

Gangs use different methods to control young people, including:

• Threats and violence – Once someone is involved, gangs often use physical violence, blackmail, or threats against them or their family to keep them under control.
• Debt bondage – Gangs may trick someone into thinking they owe them money for things like travel, food, drugs, or lost earnings, then force them to work it off through illegal activities.
• Grooming – Young people might be befriended and given gifts, food, or money to create a sense of loyalty before being exploited. They may be made to feel special before the gang starts making demands.
• Cuckooing – This is when gangs take over the home of a vulnerable person, often someone with mental health issues or addiction, to use it as a drug dealing base. The person is often threatened, manipulated, or given drugs to keep them compliant.
• Using taxis and trains – Young people recruited into county lines are often forced to travel long distances, sometimes hundreds of miles, by train, bus, or taxi to deliver drugs. They are often given false alibis or stories to tell if they are stopped.
• Changing phone numbers frequently – Gang members often use ‘burner’ phones (cheap, disposable mobile phones) and will frequently change numbers to avoid being tracked by law enforcement.
• Being forced to carry weapons – Some young people involved in county lines are made to carry knives or other weapons for protection, increasing their risk of violence and arrest.

Signs Someone May Be Involved in County Lines

If you notice any of the following signs in a friend, sibling, or classmate, they may be caught up in county lines drug dealing:

• Missing school or college without explanation
• Coming home late or staying out overnight with no clear reason
• Having large amounts of cash, expensive clothes, or new gadgets with no explanation
• Unexplained injuries or signs of physical violence
• Using new slang or different language that seems linked to crime or drugs
• Becoming secretive about their whereabouts or who they are speaking to
• Suddenly having multiple phones or SIM cards
• Travelling long distances by train, bus, or taxi unexpectedly

If you think someone is involved in county lines, it’s important to act quickly and get help from a trusted adult or support service. The sooner help is sought, the better the chances of safely getting out.

Gangs know how to manipulate people. They might offer protection, money, or a sense of belonging at first. But once someone is involved, it’s not easy to leave. Young people can be pressured into doing dangerous things, and refusal can lead to threats against them or their families.

Some common ways gangs exploit young people include:

• Asking them to hold or deliver packages – This might seem harmless at first, but it’s often how young people unknowingly start working for gangs.
• Forcing them to commit crimes – Theft, robbery, drug dealing, and even violent acts may be demanded.
• Using them as a scapegoat – Gangs may set someone up to take the blame for a crime, leading to arrest or retaliation.
• Sexual exploitation – Young people, particularly girls, may be forced or manipulated into sexual relationships or exploited in other ways.
• Blackmail and coercion – Gangs might use threats, intimidation, or even fake friendships to trap someone in a cycle of criminal activity.
• Exploiting family circumstances – If someone is struggling at home, experiencing neglect, or facing financial difficulties, gangs may take advantage of their vulnerability by offering what seems like a better lifestyle.
• Normalising violence – Gangs often desensitise young people to violence, making them believe that carrying weapons or harming others is necessary for survival or respect.
• Trapping young people in debt – Sometimes, gangs will ‘loan’ money, gifts, or even drugs to someone, then demand they pay it back through criminal activity, making it nearly impossible to leave.

Once a young person is caught in a gang, it can feel impossible to escape. However, help is available, and there are ways out. Speaking to a trusted adult, youth worker, or professional can be the first step towards getting out safely.

Radicalisation is the process by which individuals come to support extremist ideologies, often leading to criminal activities or terrorism. Some gangs and extremist groups use similar tactics to exploit young people, especially those who feel isolated or vulnerable. These groups manipulate individuals by offering them a sense of belonging, purpose, or power.

Radicalisation can happen through various means, including:

• Online recruitment – Extremist groups use social media, gaming platforms, and encrypted messaging apps to spread their messages and recruit young people.
• Grooming by individuals – Someone in a position of influence, such as a peer, teacher, religious leader, or community figure, may introduce and encourage extremist beliefs.
• Exposure to violent content – Watching extremist videos or reading propaganda material that promotes hate or violence can influence someone’s beliefs.
• Pressure from a group – Friends, family members, or new acquaintances may push someone towards an extremist ideology, making them feel like they must conform to stay accepted.
• Personal grievances – Young people who feel alienated, frustrated, or unfairly treated may be more vulnerable to radicalisation.

Warning Signs of Radicalisation

• Becoming secretive – If a friend or family member suddenly stops sharing their thoughts or avoids talking about certain topics, they may be hiding something.
• Expressing extreme beliefs – Support for violence, conspiracy theories, or hatred towards certain groups could indicate radicalisation.
• Cutting off relationships – If they start distancing themselves from family and friends, they might be under external influence.
• Sudden changes in appearance or behaviour – If someone starts dressing differently, using new language, or avoiding certain activities, it could be a sign of involvement in an extremist group.
• Justifying violence – Defending extremist attacks or showing an increasing willingness to accept violent actions as a means to an end.
• Travelling to high-risk areas – Expressing a desire to travel to conflict zones or extremist hotspots.

How to Prevent Radicalisation

• Talk openly – Encourage discussions about current events, social issues, and different perspectives. Providing a safe space for open dialogue can help prevent extremist ideologies from taking root.
• Educate yourself and others – Learn about how radicalisation happens so you can recognise the warning signs and help others understand them too.
• Encourage critical thinking – Help young people question and analyze information they find online rather than accepting it at face value.
• Promote positive influences – Encourage involvement in sports, clubs, and social activities that foster a sense of belonging and purpose in a safe environment.
• Seek support from professionals – If you’re worried about someone, talk to a trusted teacher, community leader, or organisations like Prevent UK that specialise in counter-radicalisation efforts.

If you suspect someone is being radicalised, seek help from organisations that deal with extremism, like Prevent UK. Reporting your concerns can prevent someone from being drawn into harmful or illegal activities.

How You Can Help a Friend or Family Member

If someone you care about is involved in a gang, it can be difficult to know what to do. The most important thing is not to put yourself in danger. Speak to a trusted adult, like a teacher, youth worker, or family member. There are also helplines that can provide advice and support (see resources below). Encouraging them to seek help is key—nobody has to face this alone.

Other ways to support them include:

• Listening without judgment – They may be afraid to open up if they think they’ll be blamed. Let them talk at their own pace and show empathy.
• Encouraging them to get help – Offer to go with them to speak to someone they trust, like a school counselor or community support worker.
• Understanding their fears – They may be worried about retaliation, losing friendships, or feeling alone if they leave the gang. Let them know they are not alone and there are safe ways to exit gang life.
• Helping them find alternatives – Suggest safe activities or groups they can join to build new friendships and support networks.
• Reporting anonymously – If they’re in serious danger, you can report concerns without revealing your identity through organisations like Fearless (Crimestoppers for young people).
• Reassuring them that help is available – Remind them that services exist to protect and support them, not to punish them.

Leaving a gang can be dangerous, so professional help is crucial. Speak to organisations that specialize in supporting young people at risk of gang involvement.

If you witness a stabbing, call 999 immediately. Do not run away or try to chase the attacker. Instead:

• Call for help – Give your exact location and describe the situation.
• Apply pressure to the wound – Use anything clean, like a t-shirt, towel, or cloth, to slow the bleeding. If possible, apply firm pressure using both hands.
• Encourage the victim to lie down – Keeping them still and flat can help reduce blood loss.
• Do not remove the knife if it’s still in the wound – This can cause more bleeding. Let medical professionals handle it.
• Check for breathing – If they are unconscious but breathing, put them in the recovery position. If they stop breathing, start CPR if you are trained.
• Reassure and keep them calm – Speaking to them can help prevent shock and maintain consciousness.
• Stay on the phone with emergency services – Follow their instructions and wait for help.

If you or someone you know is at risk, there are organisations that can provide confidential advice and assistance:

• Fearless (Crimestoppers for Young People) – Report concerns anonymously
• The Children’s Society – County Lines Advice www.childrenssociety.org.uk
• NSPCC (If you’re worried about a young person being exploited): 0808 800 5000
• Victim Support (Help for those affected by crime): 0808 168 9111
• The National Crime Agency (NCA) – County Lines Information
• Prevent (For concerns about radicalisation)
• Knife Crime Support – Ben Kinsella Trust
• YoungMinds (Mental Health Support for Young People)
• Cumbria Police
• Cleveland Police
• Durham Police
• Northumbria Police

You don’t have to deal with this on your own. Help is available, and speaking up could save a life.