PARENTS have been urged to look out for signs that their children might be involved in criminal exploitation by drugs gangs.
PC Kim Jones-Norgrove, of the Wrexham Rural Police team, is raising awareness of 'County Lines' this week.
The form of exploitation sees criminals befriend, groom, abuse, take advantage of and control children and vulnerable adults to recruit them as runners to transport drugs and cash all over the country.
Pc Jones-Norgrove said: "Children who are being exploited by gangs for their criminal purposes are victims and should be safeguarded not criminalised.
"The grooming might start with them being asked to 'keep watch' but it soon escalates to them being forced to stash weapons, money or become drug couriers.
READ MORE: Police appeal for information of Stolen motorbike from Acton
"No child can consent to criminal exploitation and it's never their fault."
Signs for parents and carers to look out for include:
-Challenging behaviour
-Going missing for long periods at a time
-New friendships with older, controlling people or gangs
-Staying out late
-Being secretive about where they have been or are going to
-Unexplained presents, gifts or mobile phones
-Lack of interest in school, activities and hobbies
-Disrespect for boundaries set by parents / carers or school.
READ MORE: Men jailed after police disrupt county lines operation bringing drugs into Flintshire
For further information, view the pupil and parents section on SchoolBeat.cymru
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here