A NEW educational service and campaign will target County Lines drug gangs in north Wales.

The independent charity Crimestoppers is stepping up its work to tackle County Lines in North Wales with its youth service Fearless.org, with the launch of a new crime prevention film this week

The film, Running the Lines, made for Crimestoppers by ‘It’s My Shout productions’, will be shown in workshops with young people across North Wales.

Arfon Jones, North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “Whilst North Wales continues to be one of the safest places to live and work, we do not underestimate the violence perpetuated by organised crime groups. County Lines criminality cuts across my priorities; it is through joint working, information sharing and awareness that we can tackle it together and stop the exploitation of young people and vulnerable adults.

“I welcome the work of Crimestoppers, including the new Fearless film project, where through early intervention and prevention, we can ensure young people don’t get caught up in serious violence.”

Running the Lines follows the fictional story of a young person involved in drug running, and is inspired by accounts of real-life County Lines cases, including the use of violence by such gangs.

The Fearless film project is the latest effort by Crimestoppers to raise public awareness of the activities of organised crime groups through campaigns. Last month the charity ran digital adverts across North Wales to prevent knife crime.

Fearless.org, which now has youth workers covering all parts of Wales, also helps tackle the underreporting of crime by young people. Through its website, young people can pass on information about crime they’ve witnessed to Fearless.org anonymously and safely.

Ella Rabaiotti, Wales national manager at Crimestoppers charity, said: “Young people can become involved with criminal gangs but often do not recognise they’re being exploited or feel confident to seek help.

“Running the Lines will help young people spot the signs of exploitation and understand the grim realities of County Lines drug running. We want to educate and empower young people to be aware of the issues, feel safer and be confident to report crime - including the option to use Fearless.org anonymously.”

The film is on the ‘FearlessORG’ YouTube channel. To find out more information about the Fearless project, visit Fearless.org.