CrossCountry partners with Crimestoppers to keep young people safe in Cornwall

Train operator CrossCountry, which runs services throughout Cornwall and the South West, has partnered with charity and social enterprise Unique Voice in a joint initiative to encourage young people to speak up, stay safe and prevent crime in Cornwall and surrounding areas.

CrossCountry has largely funded the initiative.

A launch event took place at Redruth Regal Theatre on Wednesday 21 February, which highlighted a range of resources created to get young people to explore the theme of exploitation and in particular County Lines drug trafficking.

County Lines is a term used for organised illegal drug-dealing networks. Serious organised criminals, often from big cities, recruit vulnerable children and adults, often in rural and suburban areas, as 'runners' to transport drugs and cash all over the country, often using the rail network or taxis and other private hire vehicles, so that the criminals behind it can remain detached and less likely to be detected.

“We’re pleased to be able to bring this important resource to educators in our tenth year of working in partnership with Unique Voice.

“The valuable support provided by CrossCountry will ensure that even more children and young people across Devon and Cornwall speak up, stay safe and help to stop crime – particularly when it comes to risks around exploitation and County Lines trafficking.”

Karen MacDonald, Crimestoppers’ West Country Regional Manager

“We’re pleased to support this important initiative as part of this year’s Customer and Community Improvement Fund.

“We know that exploitation and trafficking are a key concern for communities in the South West – as a rail operator, it’s important for us to support the prevention of these dangerous activities as strongly as we can.”

Sarah Gould, Regional Director for CrossCountry’s West & Wales region

“This brand new resource aims to equip children and young people with an understanding of exploitation, the forms it can take and the awareness of who to turn to when they need support.

“It’s been fantastic to work with CrossCountry and Crimestoppers to empower young people to spot the signs of exploitation, for themselves and for others.”

Krystal Keeley, Co-founder and Director at Unique Voice