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Community safety

Who’s sharing your home?

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.

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.

Some 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
  • decrease in the condition of the property (inside and out)

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.

Cabinet Member for Communities and Housing, Cllr Brian Bishop said:

This is a horrendous crime that can be difficult to detect. These criminals target the most at risk residents in our community, causing upset and distress.

In partnership with the Police we can provide support to the cuckooed resident to get the help they need and take steps to prevent people entering addresses which are being used for cuckooing using formal enforcement action."

Councillor Brian Bishop, Cabinet Member for Communities and Housing

Councillor Brian Bishop, Cabinet Member for Communities and Housing

If you have concerns about cuckooing:

In an emergency always call 999.

Find out more about cuckooing

Bexley Borough Neighbourhood Watch logo

Stay secure this Christmas

If you are going away over Christmas, please consider the following precautions:

  • Lock up tight - Double-check all windows and doors before heading out, even for just for a short while
  • Don’t advertise your absence - avoid posting about your plans on social media. Burglars scout for empty homes online
  • Make it look lived in - Use timers on lights to create the illusion of someone being home. Ask a neighbour to collect your mail and park their car on your drive
  • Don’t forget the garden - Lock sheds and garages and consider security lighting
  • Be mindful of deliveries - Be vigilant about deliveries left on your doorstep. Consider having packages delivered to a neighbour or collection point
  • Keep an eye out - be aware of suspicious activity and report anything unusual to the police. In an emergency always call 999
  • Consider a home security system - investing in a burglar alarm, security cameras, or even smart home security devices can provide an extra layer of protection

Find out more about the Bexley Borough Neighbourhood Watch Association:

 

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Bexley Local Safer Neighbourhood Teams are local policing teams working closely with local authorities, community leaders and residents to learn more about the concerns and priorities of local people - and to find long-term solutions to problems.

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