All You Need to Know

• I'm in a gang and I want to leave

  It can feel like you are too deeply involved with a gang to just walk away, or you might be under pressure from other gang members to stay.

  It's also common to worry that you won't fit in anywhere else, or you, your family or friends will no longer be safe if you leave the gang.

  • Try speaking to someone you trust about the situation and asking for their advice.
  • Spend less time with the gang and avoid going to places where you know they will be.
  • Focus on other things you enjoy, such as sport or music, rather than spending time with gang members.
  • Gangsline is an organisation which provides help and support for young people involved in gangs.

• I'm worried about someone else being involved in a gang

  It can be hard if someone you care about becomes involved in a gang. You might be concerned about whether they are being drawn into criminal activity, or whether they might be putting their safety in danger.

  Let them know you are worried about them - they might be grateful for the chance to talk about it.

  Point out the dangers of what they are doing and how it could affect their future if they get into trouble. Encourage them to talk to a trusted adult about their situation, or to contact a service such as Childline. You should also ask an adult, such as a teacher or parent/carer for help and advice.

  If the person you're worried about is in immediate danger and needs urgent help, call 999.

• What Is County Lines?

  This is where illegal drugs are transported from one area to another, usually by young people who are working for gangs. The County Line is the mobile phone used to take the orders of drugs.

  Gangs use the mobile phones to contact the young people and instruct them where to deliver the drugs.

  Young people aged between 14 and 17 are the most likely to be targeted, but sometimes the gangs will try to groom even younger people, because they are seen as less likely to get caught.

  Gangs might use money or expensive gifts to tempt young people into working for them, before making them feel trapped and unable to leave.

  If you are involved with County Lines, or worried about someone who might be involved, you could speak to a service such as Catch 22. They work with young people to help them get out of situations they are worried about and have helped many people involved in County Lines.

• I'm worried about gun and knife crime

  Some gangs carry knives or other weapons and if you join the gang you might be pressured into doing this as well.

  You might have no intention of using it, but sometimes a situation can get out of control. It's easy to think that by carrying a knife you are protecting yourself, but it actually makes you more likely to get attacked and hurt. 

  You could also be arrested by the police, who have the power to stop and search you, for being in possession of a weapon.

  Just by carrying a weapon you are putting your future in danger and putting your life at risk.

  It's really important to talk to a trusted adult if you are being pressured into carrying a weapon and to get help before it is too late.

• Who will support me if I get arrested?

  If you are under 17 and are arrested for committing a criminal offence, the police must inform your parents or carers as soon as possible. You have the right to have an adult present at the police station with you and you can talk to that adult in private if you want to.

  The adult is called an 'appropriate adult' and will be able to observe your interview with the police. They will be able to check that you are being treated fairly and can help you find a solicitor to represent you. If you do not have a solicitor, you will be able to ask for the duty solicitor to act for you.