A previous version of this story incorrectly stated that this scheme was in partnership with Platform Housing.

A NEW film has been published with the hope of preventing child exploitation within Worcestershire.

Worcestershire Community Rail Partnership has helped make a short film to target children being exploited by drug traffickers on the railway.

The film highlights how gangs can coerce young people to transport drugs using the railway, known as ‘County Lines’.

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The resource was also Developed in partnership with Worcester Cathedral, Platform, the Clewer Initiative and the Mothers’ Union and aims to engage with local communities to improve rail within the county.

Schools, train operators, and youth workers are set to benefit from the knowledge the film provides.

A National Crime Agency report from 2019 suggests that the rail network facilitates 40% of county lines drug running.

In March, West Mercia Police took part in a week-long crackdown on county lines and within Worcestershire £90,210 worth of drugs was seized and arrested 15 people across.

Around four safeguarding referrals were made during this week, and 31 cuckooing visits to properties where vulnerable adults live and are at risk of being exploited by dealers.

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Police also seized £1,810 cash, four weapons, ten phones and one vehicle.

The film will be used to train staff at train operators and show the general public how young people can get caught up in this criminal activity, how they can spot signs of exploitation and where help and support can be found.

Worcestershire Community Rail Partnership comprises local groups such as Worcestershire County Council, West Midlands Railway, Great Western Railway, Cross Country Trains, Cotswold Line Promotion Group, Stourbridge Line User Group, Bromsgrove and Redditch Rail User Group, West Midlands Rail Executive and Network Rail.

The partnership was initially made to engage with communities to improve station facilities, Encourage Station Adoption Groups to enhance station environments and improve accessibility.

The new film is available on the Worcestershire Community Rail Partnership website.