"I'm more aware of people trying to lure me in with free things," said Shepherds Bush primary school pupil, Azad. "They might use me to do illegal things to return the favour."
That was the learning from the 11-year-old student after seeing the new county lines theatre production, Cross the Line.
It's a joint venture between Hammersmith & Fulham Council's specialist Gangs Unit and the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre. It brings a touring educational stage production to young people in the borough, teaching them about exploitation and county lines.
It is one of many early intervention programmes delivered to support young people and families at risk of exploitation. And part of our work to build a stronger, safer and kinder borough.
Gangs Unit
Our pioneering Gangs Unit is backed by a £1million investment. We have supported 155 local young people and families since 2020.
This new stage collaboration – funded by H&F Council – is currently touring local schools. So far 30 schools have seen the performance, with another phase of the project to be delivered in the future. Local Year Six pupil, Bea, said:
I now fully understand what it means to be exploited and not to trust some strangers especially if it's too good to be true."
A story that hits home
Cross the Line follows the story of Tyler, a vulnerable teenager who becomes entangled with a charismatic older boy who initially appears friendly and generous, named 'G'. Through gifts of expensive trainers and small favours, G gradually draws Tyler into drug running across county lines.
The script shows the grooming process step by step – initial kindness, building trust, small requests that escalate into serious criminal activity, and threats that keep victims trapped.
Students see how Tyler's sister Bailey spots the warning signs but struggles to step in.
After seeing the production, local pupil Khyron added: "I will be more mindful of who my friends are [in the future]."
Awareness
The play is designed to raise awareness, and to give young people the knowledge and tools to report suspicious behaviour as and when it happens.
"It taught me how to get out of situations like, for example, calling the charity Fearless," said local pupil Basma. Fearless is part of Crimestoppers and enables young people to pass on information about crime 100% anonymously.
"It contacts the police on my behalf so the person telling me to do bad deeds does not know that I called the police and they won't be able to hurt me or my family," she added.
Report a crime
Call 0800 555 111 or visit the Fearless website for more information.
