Issue - meetings

Dave.Sargent@cambridgeshire.gov.uk

The Committee received an oral presentation from Dave Sargent of the Local Safeguarding Children’s Board. Details of the presentation can be found at:

https://democracy.cambridge.gov.uk/documents/s45682/County%20Lines%20in%20Cambridgeshire%20area%20committee%20presentation.pdf

Dave Sargent responded to questions as follows:

1.   Councillor Harrison

Why is ‘County Lines’ distinctive as a phenomenon?

Dealers from London seeking to expand their territory looked towards affluent regional area where they hoped policing might be less robust. A key feature was the use of children who would not be charged with an offence if caught.

2.   Member of the Public (Friends of Midsummer Common)

Services for young people have been cut and there were no youth centres in the central area. The City Council could fund more services.

3.   Councillor Scutt

How can we protect vulnerable people from being exploited and having their properties used by dealers and how can we address the use of children?

There were very few interventions that were successful. Vulnerable children were attracted by gifts and money. The public should report it if they suspect a property has been taken over. This can be done anonymously and details can be found in the presentations (link above).