Police Carry Out Train Patrols in Liskeard to Tackle County Lines

Police officers were spotted carrying out high visibility patrols on trains passing through Liskeard as part of efforts to disrupt criminal activity linked to the rail network, including county lines drug supply.

Officers from the local neighbourhood team boarded trains travelling through their area to engage with passengers and deter organised crime groups from using rail routes to move illegal substances into smaller towns.

The activity also focused on safeguarding vulnerable people who can be exploited by criminal networks to transport drugs.

Tackling county lines activity

County lines is the term used to describe organised crime groups using dedicated phone lines to move and sell illegal drugs, often exploiting children and vulnerable adults to carry them.

Police Sergeant Gary Smith, who took part in the patrols, explained the purpose of the operation.

Gary said: “Patrols like these are just another way that we’re working with our partners, such as British Transport Police, to tackle crime from all angles.

“Our aim was to show the public – and offenders – that we are present, we are visible and that we will not allow the train network to be used for criminality.

“Ultimately, we want to keep everyone safe and prevent crime from happening in the first place – patrols like this play a key part in doing just that.”

Part of wider Operation Scorpion activity

The patrols formed part of Operation Scorpion, a targeted week of action focused on disrupting the supply of harmful drugs into the region and reducing the antisocial behaviour, crime and violence linked to it.

During the week of action across Devon and Cornwall:

• 17 people were safeguarded, including 14 adults and three under 18s

• 17 people were arrested

• 14 cuckooed addresses were visited, where criminals take over someone’s home to use it as a base for crime

• 1.5g of crack was seized

• 0.15g of heroin was seized

• 2239.8g of cocaine was seized

• 50g of cannabis resin was seized

• £12,013 in cash was seized

• Seven weapons were seized, including four air weapons, one knuckleduster and one telescopic baton

At the same time, the National County Lines Coordination Centre organised a separate week focusing on safeguarding vulnerable people who are drawn into criminal activity and exploited.

How to report concerns

Anyone who sees a crime taking place on the railway or at a train station can report it to British Transport Police by using the Report a crime service or by texting 61016.

For other non emergency incidents, reports can be made to Devon & Cornwall Police through their online reporting page.