What is it?
Cuckooing is where a person or group take over an individuals’ home and use the property for exploitation, usually as a base for drug dealing or other illegal activities. Often those who take advantage of a person or their home will seem friendly at first, and then start to use scare tactics, bullying or violent behaviour.
Who is at risk?
Anyone could be potentially cuckooed; however, some are more at risk, such as:
- Someone with past or present substance misuse
- Someone with physical or mental health problems
- Someone with learning difficulties
- Victims of domestic abuse
- Someone in financial poverty.
Spot the signs
Signs that someone may be subject to ‘cuckooing’ include, but are not limited to:
- An increase in people entering and leaving a property, at various times of the day/night
- An increase in cars/bikes outside
- An increase in anti-social behaviour
- Damage to a front door, or the door often left open
- Unknown visitors pressing buzzers to gain access to the building
- You haven’t seen the person living there recently, or, when you have, there is a change in behaviour - they may often seem anxious or distracted.
What to do?
If you believe this is happening to you or someone you know, please contact the Police, as this is a criminal offence. Then please contact us to speak to our dedicated Intervention & Enforcement Team. Our priority is to ensure people feel safe in their home.
Reports can also be made anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
