The public has been asked to be vigilant for signs of county lines drug dealing.

County lines is a national issue where illegal drugs are transported from one area to another, often across police and local authority boundaries, and often by children or vulnerable people. 

Now Dorset Police are asking members of the public to help spot the signs of this criminal exploitation happening in our communities. 

Suspicious activity can include:

• An increase in visitors or vehicles at a residence

• New, unfamiliar faces appearing frequently

• Changes in a resident’s behaviour—becoming secretive, withdrawn, or aggressive

• Young people with unexplained, expensive new items (clothes, phones, etc.)

• Residents or young people going missing for extended periods

• Young people seeming unfamiliar with your community or where they are

A spokesperson for Dorset Police said: "If you spot any of these signs, #TakeControl of your community and report it.

You don’t have to tell us any of your details – you can pass any information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers or by using the StreetSafe app.

You can also report online at https://orlo.uk/QVatc