Brings the Brutal Truth of County Lines to Life
Young people are being used—literally. Not just ignored, but actively exploited by criminal networks exploiting vulnerabilities, pushing drugs, threats, even knives. That’s the raw, unfiltered truth being dramatized in CODE, an electrifying street theatre performance coming soon to King’s Lynn.
Presented by Justice in Motion, this free open-air show—fusing parkour, live rap, trials-bike stunts, and physical theatre—unpacks how organised gangs groom, lure, and trap young people in the deadly world of County Lines and knife crime. It’s not just drama; it’s a wake-up call. Lynn News
CODE discusses Real Issues, hoping to make a Real Impact
At its core, CODE follows the story of Nicky—a vulnerable teen targeted by gang tactics disguised as friendship. Through clever staging in a town market square, audiences experience how gifts, coded messages, and perceived loyalty become weapons in turning teens into pawns in criminal games. Lynn News
This isn’t fiction. County Lines is a UK-wide epidemic. Estimates suggest up to 46,000 children are currently drawn into drug supply chains, often trafficked from cities to towns and coerced into dangerous criminality. Lynn NewsWikipedia
Furthermore, knife crime is painfully real, too: in 2023–24, around 50,500 knife-related offences occurred in England and Wales. Shockingly, 83% of homicide victims aged 13–19 died by a sharp weapon. Lynn News
Thus, when drama like CODE hits public spaces, it doesn’t just tell a story—it shakes the community. It turns headlines into faces, stats into stories, and strangers into urgently needed allies.
Why Young People Should Care
- This could have been you—or someone you know. Many trapped in gangs aren’t trouble-makers—they’re kids missing a sense of safety or belonging.
- It’s about resilience. Through action, CODE illustrates that escape isn’t a myth. Support, awareness, and intervention can open cracks in the system.
- It’s a call to action. The production includes a digital toolkit—free resources helping young people recognize the signs of exploitation and find local help. Lynn News
Beyond the Stage: Legal and Community Backing
The drama intersects with real-world efforts to fight youth exploitation. Nationally, over 5,600 County Lines operations have been dismantled since 2019, with more than 16,500 arrests and 8,800 safeguarding referrals made. Lynn News
Additionally, exploitation isn’t going away. New laws are on the table—criminalising the use of children in organised activity, and strengthening protections under “Child Criminal Exploitation Prevention Orders.” These rules could jail offenders for up to 10 years and limit their access to children. The Guardian
Meanwhile, authorities are calling on tech platforms to step up too. Online gangs are evolving—aggressive content and coercion now live on apps and social feeds. It’s a digital battle as much as a physical one. The Guardian
How CODE Electrifies This Moment
- Accessibility: It’s free, open-air, at the heart of town. No tickets, no stigma—just raw storytelling meeting real life.
- Sensory immersion: Parkour, rap, raw physicality—this isn’t a lecture. It’s visceral, giving you the pulse of a teenage world turned upside down.
- Tools, not just tears: The show gives you options. It’s emotional, but politically active—offering understanding and steps forward.
What Young People Can Do
- Be alert: Notice changes in friends’ behavior—absences, sudden money, or extreme secrecy. That’s how gang grooming often starts. Catch22
- Use the toolkit: Attend performances, scan the QR codes, or share the digital toolkit with your crew, teachers, or youth groups.
- Talk it out: Stigma kills. Conversations—especially when they’re open and real—can save lives.
- Push for structural change: Support calls for legal reform, digital platform accountability, and more youth-led prevention schemes.
CODE: Final Word
CODE isn’t just a show—it’s a lifeline disguised in adrenaline and art. It reflects the hidden stakes of urban life faced by many young people, shining a light on how easily someone can slip from school to the street.
But it also reminds us of something more powerful: the strength of our communities when we stop looking away. Whether it’s through art, policy, or peer support, each of us has a part to play.
Because when youth aren’t used—they’re that generation the world can’t wait to see rise.
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Zita Salum, a British, Tanzanian journalist with a London heart, is making waves in the world of media. Born and Raised in Hackney London, she discovered her passion for storytelling at a young age. Her journey began as an admin for the Inside Success magazine, but her talent quickly shone through. Zita's ability to craft compelling narratives and her knack for capturing the essence of a story led her to become an editor for the magazine.
From there, her career soared. Zita has contributed to a diverse range of publications, including the prestigious W magazine, showcasing her versatility as a writer. Her expertise spans across industries such as music, corporate, political, sports, arts, and fashion. Beyond her written work, Zita has also excelled in broadcast journalism. Her natural ability to connect with interviewees and her engaging hosting style have made her a sought-after talent in the industry.
In her free time, Zita is a dedicated networker, attending industry events and immersing herself in the latest trends. She is also passionate about investigative journalism and has produced creative documentaries that shed light on important issues. With her talent, drive, and unwavering commitment to her craft, Zita Salum is undoubtedly a rising star in the world of journalism.
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