Recent statistics highlight an alarming trend in the realm of county lines exploitation, with a significant increase in the number of girls and young women being recognised as victims. Data from the charity Catch22, which operates the national county lines support service, indicates that females accounted for 22% of the charity’s caseload in 2025, a notable rise from 15% in the previous year. This shift calls for a renewed focus on the complexities of exploitation and the need for tailored support for all victims.
Understanding County Lines Exploitation
County lines refers to the criminal enterprise that involves gangs transporting drugs from urban areas to rural locations using dedicated phone lines. Vulnerable young people, often coerced or manipulated, are forced to act as couriers for these gangs, moving drugs and money across the country. The government has made efforts to combat this issue, launching a comprehensive county lines programme in 2019, which has continued under the current Labour administration.
Catch22 is working alongside the government to address this pressing issue, but the charity has raised concerns regarding the gendered nature of the understanding surrounding these crimes. Marike van Harskamp, the head of policy at Catch22, emphasises that the traditional view often overlooks the experiences of girls and young women, who are increasingly falling victim to these criminal networks.
The Gendered Understanding of Exploitation
One of the critical challenges in addressing county lines exploitation is the prevailing notion that it predominantly affects boys. This misconception can lead to inadequate identification and support for female victims. Van Harskamp points out that while approximately half of the boys referred to Catch22 receive assistance through the National Referral Mechanism, only about one in six girls benefit from the same support.
The complexity of girls’ experiences in these situations often involves what is termed the “boyfriend model,” where they may be groomed into believing they are entering a romantic relationship. This grooming can lead to their gradual involvement in criminal activities without their full awareness, making it crucial for services to recognise and address these patterns.
Government Efforts and Challenges Ahead
In response to the escalating crisis, the government reported a record number of county lines being dismantled in 2025. Statistics revealed that 2,740 county lines were closed, 1,657 gang leaders were charged, and 961 knives were confiscated. With an investment of over £34 million earmarked for the county lines programme this year, authorities are signalling their commitment to tackling this issue.
However, van Harskamp cautions that while progress has been made, the scale of the problem necessitates ongoing efforts. The charity has noted instances of children as young as seven being groomed, reinforcing the need to frame county lines exploitation as a form of child abuse. The psychological effects of such exploitation can be severe, leading to long-term mental health issues and further complicating the victims’ recovery.
The Role of Social Media in Grooming
Gangs have increasingly turned to social media platforms, such as Snapchat, as tools for grooming vulnerable individuals. The targeting of those with additional vulnerabilities—be it mental health challenges, substance misuse, or unstable living situations—has become a disturbing trend that requires urgent attention.
Van Harskamp stresses the importance of early identification of risk factors to mitigate the potential for exploitation. The correlation between poor mental health, lack of education, and involvement in county lines activities underscores the need for comprehensive support systems, including specialised mental health care for victims.
Why it Matters
The rising number of girls identified as victims of county lines exploitation reveals a critical gap in our societal understanding of these crimes. It highlights the urgent need for services to adapt and evolve to better support all victims, particularly those who have been historically overlooked. Addressing the complexities and nuances of exploitation not only serves to protect vulnerable individuals but also fosters a more inclusive approach to tackling the broader issues of criminal exploitation, ultimately aiming to break the cycle of abuse and provide a safer environment for future generations.
