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Cuckooing

Cuckooing happens when people target the homes of vulnerable adults and take over their property. The home may be used for any criminal purpose, including drug dealing, sexual crimes and storing weapons.

The vulnerable adult can be exploited and coerced to participate in criminal acts. Young people vulnerable to criminal exploitation can also be associated with these properties.

In partnership with the Police we can:

  • provide support to the cuckooed resident to get the help they need
  • take steps to prevent people entering addresses which are being used for cuckooing using formal enforcement action.

What you can do

Look out for your neighbours who may be vulnerable. Those whose homes are most vulnerable include older people, those living with mental health difficulties, addiction or learning disabilities, drug users, sex workers or those living on low income.

Signs a home may be cuckooed

  • A person living alone who suddenly starts having lots of visitors arriving at all times. They might not stay long – and might arrive by bikes, cars or on foot
  • People waiting in cars outside and exchanging cash or small packets
  • Increase in litter
  • Decrease in the condition of the property (inside and out)
  • Less visits from the resident's family and friends
  • Increase in noise and local anti-social behaviour

A victim of cuckooing might

  • not be seen for a while
  • lack access to basic needs, like money and food
  • have money, food and clothes stolen
  • be gifted things or money in exchange for the use of their home

What to do if you have concerns

The best advice is to trust your instincts. Even if someone isn’t being cuckooed, they may be being exploited in some other way, so it’s always worth reporting.

Tell us where the issue is. If you can, tell us more, for example, descriptions or names of people involved, whether you see them at the same time each day or what vehicles they may be using. Never put yourself at risk and do not confront or approach anyone.

Contact

You can call 101, or 0800 555 1111 to report anonymously via Crimestoppers. In an emergency always call 999.