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Pupils learn about county line gangs through drama

Grace McGrory
BBC News
BBC The photo shows thirteen students all looking at the camera. Some are wearing PE kits, others are wearing uniform. They're stood on a bright blue tennis court. BBC
Year 7s and 8s at St George's Academy in Sleaford watched the performance

More than 400 students have been learning about the dangers associated with organised crime and county lines drug gangs through a creative performance.

The production, called CODE, was performed at St George's Academy in Sleaford by charity Justice in Motion, which has been touring for two years to raise awareness of the issue.

A mixture of physical theatre and bike stunts, along with rap and music were used to tell the story of an individual who gets involved in knife crime and drug running.

Anja Meinhardt, artistic director of the charity, said: "The show touches pretty much everyone in society. Too many children are involved in a trade that is an exploitation of young people."

The photo shows a scene from a performance. Two men are dressed in black, wearing helmets and are on BMX bikes. They're doing a wheelie in front of a ramp. There is a woman with orange hair on the ramp, who is being pulled back by a rope round her torso by a man who is above her on a metal structure.
The performance followed the story of Nicky, a young person who is groomed into a gang and becomes involved in drug running and county lines

The term county lines refers to criminal gangs who move illegal drugs from cities to rural locations, and sell them using dedicated mobile phone lines.

The gangs often recruit young or vulnerable people to distribute the drugs, according to Lincolnshire Police.

The Home Office estimates that about 14,500 children were identified as at risk or involved in child criminal exploitation in 2023-2024.

Johnnie, 12, who watched the performance, said: "I thought it was an excellent performance. It wasn't just a lecture, and it used younger people which not many performances do."

Louise, 13, added: "I thought it was a really important message to tell everyone that no matter what age, gender or race you are it could happen to anyone."

The show was part of a three-day residency in the area, which also included workshops and assemblies.

There will also be performances on Saturday at 10:30 and 14:00 BST at Sleaford Market Place.

The photo shows a woman smiling at the camera. She's wearing a black baseball cap with the word POLICE written on it. She's also wearing police uniform. She's standing on a bright blue tennis court.
Sgt Mel Standbrook said she hopes those watching will pass on what they have learnt to their peers

The events have been organised by North Kesteven District Council, alongside Lincolnshire County Council Public Health and the Safer Lincolnshire Partnership.

Sgt Mel Standbrook, education sergeant at Lincolnshire Police, said: "If children are preyed upon, or if they do find they're being groomed or exploited, it's about being able to say this is what's happening, and this is how I can get help.

"Preventative education around knife crime and county lines is really important for our young people."

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