There has been a rise in 'County Lines' drug activity, according to the Ayrshire Police Division.

‘County Lines’ refers to the use of a single telephone number to order drugs, which is operated from outside the local area.

Criminals target vulnerable children and adults who are recruited in towns and cities elsewhere and are then encouraged or forced to transport cash and drugs all over the country, so that the criminals behind them can remain detached and are less likely to be caught.

And police in Ayrshire have appealed to the public to help them keep on top of those committing crimes in relation to the transportation and selling of illegal drugs.

They say that ‘County Lines’ criminals often set up a base in an area for a short time, taking over the home of a vulnerable person by ‘cuckooing’ and use adults and children to act as drug runners.

DI Ross Black of Ayrshire CID said: “Local people have consistently told us that drug dealing and drugs misuse is a major concern to them, and support from members of the public is absolutely vital to our work.

“I would like to thank our communities for their continued support in tackling the issues around drug dealing. I would encourage anyone with information regarding drug dealing or other suspicious activity to please contact us.”

Police Scotland, and the locality policing teams can be contacted by dialling ‘101’, or in an emergency by dialling ‘999’. Information can also be provided via the independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 where anonymity can be maintained