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Abstract

This dissertation explores the United Kingdom (UK) public’s awareness and understanding of the criminal drug trafficking enterprise commonly known as ‘county lines’. It is a drug distribution model involving the transportation of drugs from urban cities to rural towns (Harding, 2020, cited in Atkinson-Sheppard, 2023). And it involves young and vulnerable people being exploited by county lines gangs to transport and store drugs (Home Office, 2017; Missing People, n.d.). 

A small quantitative research study was completed using a sample of the UK adult population. The research study used an online survey which gathered a total of 78 responses and included mostly closed ended questions with multiple choice answers. Participants were asked to answer questions regarding county lines awareness such as their awareness of the term and of exploitation signs. And this research study used a mixed method approach of descriptive and inferential statistics, as well as content analysis to carry out the data analysis of the findings from the survey. 

It was identified that children can be seen as both criminals and victims, however the points outlined throughout supported the idea that the children involved are victims of county lines exploitation and require immediate support from parents, carers, and other services. The discussion section highlighted that most participants had a good understanding of county lines and exploitation signs, however there was no significant difference between males or females. This research study filled a gap in the existing literature by providing a basis for future research into the public’s awareness and understanding of the county lines issue in the UK. And this research study concluded by re-enforcing the importance of the public having good awareness of county lines and exploitation by summarising the main findings of the study. It also provided an implication of the research study, and three recommendations

Course: Criminology and Criminal Justice - BSc - UP586PYC

Date Deposited: 2024-11-11

URI/permalink: https://library.port.ac.uk/dissert/dis14504.html