Criminal funds being used to educate students

PROFITS seized from criminals are being used to educate Plymouth school pupils about child exploitation and drug trafficking.

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Nearly 800 youngsters at Sir John Hunt Community Sports College in Whitleigh have watched performances by school theatre group Narrative Alchemy funded by £1,200 from the Proceeds of Crime Fund.

The show explains the concept of 'county lines' organised crime networks which exploit children and young people to store, move, sell and deliver drugs, often making them travel across counties.

It also raises awareness of the signs of exploitation, how it impacts young people and what to do if students find themselves in such a situation.

Plymouth City Council's cabinet member for community safety, and chair of the Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Panel, Cllr Sally Haydon (Lab, St Budeaux) said: "Explaining county lines in basic language which children can understand is really important and this is a good way of using the money in a positive way.