CHILDREN as young as 14 are being targeted by London drug gangs muscling in on Swindon.

Police are urging parents to be vigilant for signs that their children are being exploited and used as drug pushers.

Sergeant Georgina Green, of Wiltshire Police’s dedicated crime team, said: “We have had children as young as 14 and we’ve seen a surge in the number of children who are local to Swindon, rather than kids from London.

“The young local runners are more attractive to the business model. They’re local people, so they don’t necessarily stand out and they’re familiar with the area.”

Police tasked with cracking down on the rising problem have focussed their attention on public parks like St Mark’s Rec, Gorse Hill. 

On Sunday, a town-wide operation which led to a 16-year-old boy being arrested in Mannington Park on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs. 

Approximately £600 of crack cocaine and heroin was seized, along with £300 in cash. 

Other young people at risk of exploitation were identified during the patrols and referred to other safeguarding agencies. 

Sgt Green said: “This was a successful afternoon. Swindon has seen a surge in the use of child ‘runners’ being exploited by drug gangs supplying crack and heroin, also known as County Line networks in the last five months. 

“A lot of the parents we’ve spoken to have been completely shocked to be told by the police that their children have been dealing drugs on behalf of these out of town drug networks – they had no idea of their children’s involvement.” 

Police say that children are promised expensive clothes, trainers and cash by the gangs. 

The dealers and the children they exploit are often found operating in public play parks, police said. 

Children who become involved in the gangs are more likely to become the victims of crime, risking being assaulted and having drugs and cash stolen from them. 

Police worry that they feel compelled to carry knives, hammers, screwdrivers and other items that can be used to defend themselves. 

"We've seized a number of weapons," said Sgt Green. "I think that some of these children are in possession of knives for their own protection."
She warned that children caught up in this murky world faced "stark" risks. 

“They will be required to deal drugs to users in volatile environments, often late at night and often in secluded and dangerous locations," she said.

“Using children to deal drugs is totally unacceptable. It is immoral and inexcusable. 

“Exploiting children takes away their innocence and places them in great danger. 

“This behaviour will not be tolerated in our community and we will deal with those responsible robustly.” 

Police have warned parents of the signs that their children may be being exploited by criminal gangs. 

These include children becoming distant and introverted, unable to explain long periods away from the house, absences from school, wearing new and expensive clothing, having unexplained cash or having a mobile phone continuously ringing. 

Sgt Green added: “We will continue to work effectively with all agencies to safeguard these children and communicate with their parents and carers to divert them away from this exploitation and the risks it brings.”

If you fear your child is being exploited, calll police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.