Thursday, February 12, 2026
Lancashire Police are celebrating the success of the No More County Lines Tour, which has visited secondary schools across Hyndburn this week. The initiative has reached over 4,000 students with an important preventative message about exploitation and county lines activity.
Delivered in partnership with The Message Trust, the interactive tour visited schools across the borough, using powerful real-life stories, music and performances to help young people understand how organised crime groups groom and exploit children and vulnerable people.
The sessions focused on awareness, resilience and positive decision-making, giving students the knowledge and confidence to recognise the warning signs of exploitation and seek support if they are concerned about themselves or someone else.
Serious Violence Sergeant, Mick Johnson said: "The No More County Lines Tour has been a fantastic opportunity to engage directly with young people in Hyndburn in a way that really resonates. The aim is prevention, helping students understand how exploitation can happen, how to spot the signs, and most importantly, reassuring them that support is always available.
We're committed to working with schools and partners in Hyndburn to give young people the right information at the right time. When we equip them with knowledge and trusted support, we reduce the risk of exploitation before it ever takes hold."
The programme was part funded by Lancashire Police, with additional support from the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, reflecting a shared commitment to safeguarding young people and tackling exploitation through partnership working.
Emma Owen, Head of Youth Engagement at The Message Trust, added: "After successfully delivering the 'No More Knives Tour' to six schools across Burnley and Accrington in 2022, it’s a real privilege to return in partnership with the local Police to deliver our 'No More County Lines Tour' to six high schools across Hyndburn. By combining music with powerful storytelling and practical teaching, we’re equipping young people with the awareness, resilience, and confidence to recognise the dangers of drugs, grooming, gang culture, and violence and to make informed choices about their future.
This tour simply wouldn’t be possible without the belief and backing of our partners. Huge thanks to the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Office and Lancashire Police for funding the schools programme, and to Blackburn Diocese, the local churches, including Brave Church (for providing the venue) for the end-of-tour concert. Your investment isn’t just funding events, it’s empowering young people with knowledge that protects, choices that strengthen, and hope that lasts."
Anyone concerned about county lines exploitation can find advice and information at www.lancashire.police.uk, or speak to a trusted adult or local officer.