‘It’s incredible what they see’: housing associations take on county lines crime

Housing officers are using their local knowledge to spot abuse and exploitation, particularly 'cuckooing' of vulnerable residents by drug gangs

Housing associations are playing a growing role in tackling county lines crimes, using their knowledge of local communities to spot early signs of abuse and exploitation.

In the north west of England, the exploitation of young people by drug gangs - known as "county lines" crime - is a serious problem, not just in poorer areas but in York, Harrogate and places with good transport links. Now lawyers, housing associations and police are building networks of support to try and provide innovative solutions to the crisis.