A FORMER police offer and newly elected councillor is preparing to tackle the threat of so-called “county lines” drugs gangs amid fears they have already made their way into Halstead.

Pete Caulfield, who was elected as a Halstead Residents’ Association councillor on the town council, has organised a meeting in June to raise awareness of county lines gangs to parents.

Mr Caulfield, who served as a police officer for 36 years, said the phenomenon affects the entire country and is something he is extremely concerned about.

He said: “One of the concerns that has come to light is the effect that the new threat of county lines drug dealing is having on local families.

“It is evident that parents do not know what to look out for, and many parents don’t believe their children could possibly become involved. The truth is, that this blight can affect families from all areas of the community.

“County lines gangs reach out from the cities to rural towns and villages where they befriend and groom youngsters from across the social spectrum.

“It is not just children at risk of social exclusion or those from deprived backgrounds who are at risk.

“Parents who believe it could not happen to their families are sadly unaware of the reach, tactics and convincing methods these gangs will use to recruit children and young people, and it is already happening locally.”

Last Wednesday a teenager was given a community order after police seized bags of cannabis in a stop and search in Halstead.

Officers from Braintree’s community policing team stopped a Fiat Punto in Russell Road where they found 15 small bags of cannabis inside the vehicle. Police officers took the driver of the vehicle – a 17-year-old youth – back to his home address after the search was carried out.

The teenager was also referred to a drug and alcohol intervention service.

There is no suggestion the teenager was involved in county line gangs.

The meeting takes place on Wednesday, June 19, at the Queen’s Hall, Halstead, and is open to everyone, at 7.30pm.