Policy Press

County Lines

Exploitation and Drug Dealing among Urban Street Gangs

By Simon Harding

Published

May 6, 2020

Page count

330 pages

ISBN

978-1529203080

Dimensions

234 x 156 mm

Imprint

Bristol University Press

Published

May 6, 2020

Page count

330 pages

ISBN

978-1529203073

Dimensions

234 x 156 mm

Imprint

Bristol University Press

Published

May 6, 2020

Page count

330 pages

ISBN

978-1529203110

Dimensions

Imprint

Bristol University Press

Published

May 6, 2020

Page count

330 pages

ISBN

978-1529203110

Dimensions

Imprint

Bristol University Press
County Lines

Described by the National Crime Agency as a ‘significant threat’, county lines involve gangs recruiting vulnerable youth to sell drugs in provincial areas. This phenomenon has impacted local drug markets, increasing criminal activity and violence.

Exploring how county lines evolve, Harding reveals extensive criminal exploitation and control in the daily ‘grind’ to sell drugs.

Drawing upon extensive interviews and case studies, this timely book gives voice to users and dealers, providing an in-depth analysis of techniques, relationships and ‘trapping’.

With county lines now a critical issue for policing and government, this is an invaluable contribution to literature on gangs, youth violence and drugs.

Simon Harding is Professor of Criminology at University of West London and Director of the National Centre for Gang Research. His career experience includes 30 years of researching and working on crime and community safety in policy, practice and academia.

Introduction

A Changed Landscape?

Emergence and Change

Getting Started: ‘Put Me On, Bruv’

Grinding

Controlling the Line: Exploitation and Sanctions

Cuckooing and Nuanced Dealing Relationships

Ripples, Reverberations and Responses

Conclusion