A charity has launched a campaign to raise awareness of vulnerable people being exploited by gangs.

So-called county lines operations see criminals from major cities such as Liverpool, Manchester, London and Birmingham expand their drug networks to other areas of the country.

It is becoming a growing problem in Kent and now the charity Crimestoppers is playing its part to fight it.

The charity allows people to report crime anonymously, either by phone or online, and it wants people who suspect a county lines operation to get in touch.

Drug dealers regularly target both adults and children for their illegal activities.

The gangs move into rural areas for short periods of time and pick vulnerable people to move their drugs and money.

Crimestoppers revealed that many of the people who are taken advantage of are forced to carry out criminal activity through threats, grooming or extortion.

Spokesman Phil Breckon said: “We know that the term ‘county lines’ might not be widely recognised, which is why we are launching this campaign and asking for your help to support us in tackling this issue.

“We need help to put a stop to this exploitation and the damage that these criminals are inflicting on our communities and those being taken advantage of.

“We are asking you to contact us anonymously and safely through our 0800 555 111 number, or via our secure online form at Crimestoppers-uk.org - both methods are 100% anonymous.

“Together we can put a stop to this.”

Police Crime Commissioner Matthew Scott helped spread the message by touring Kent visiting Chatham and Gravesend.

He said: “We’re working with Crimestoppers to raise awareness of the problem of gangs that are operating out of London and other places and trying to exploit vulnerable young people in our county.

“In particular they’re trying to use young people in Kent to commit crimes for them whether that be through drugs or financial crimes.

“What we’re seeing is a number of schools and a number of areas that are raising concerns all across the county.

“The gangs are not discriminatory; they’re looking for people who will be easily exploited.

“This is why the campaign is going across Kent and Medway – to raise awareness for young people and their parents, which are here trying to exploit them.”