Cuckooing
Cuckooing is the term that is used to describe how criminal networks take over a property of a vulnerable person and then use the property as a base to deal and prepare drugs.
Cuckooing is a form of exploitation and normally associated with County Lines. People involved in cuckooing will use coercion, manipulation or outright force to threaten and intimidate the vulnerable person.
Types of cuckooing include:
- using the property to to grow, deal, store or take drugs;
- using the property to store cash, weapons, valuables or other items;
- using the property for sex work; and
- taking over the property as a place for the exploiters to sleep or live;
- taking over the property to financially abuse the tenant.
Who is at risk of cuckooing?
Perpetrators of cuckooing target victims with vulnerabilities. This can include people who:
- use drugs and/or alcohol;
- are former drug users;
- have a history of being in care;
- are vulnerable due to mental or physical health conditions;
- have learning disabilities;
- are experiencing economic difficulties;
- are socially isolated/lonely;
- are elderly;
- have a history of being homeless.
What are the signs of cuckooing?
Signs that ‘cuckooing’ may be taking place can include:
- an increase in people entering and leaving, at all hours, often with short visits;
- an increase in vehicles at the property, including taxis and bikes;
- an increase in anti-social behaviour;
- an increasing in litter outside the property;
- signs of drugs use;
- withdrawal from support services by the victim.
What to do if you suspect cuckooing
> REPORT IT
- In an Emergency: Call 999 if a crime is in progress and/or you suspect someone is in immediate danger or there is a threat to life
- For Non-Emergency Reporting: Call 101 to report concerns about cuckooing to your local police
You can also report anonymously via Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111, or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.
When reporting, try to include:
- The address or location
- Description of people involved
- Any unusual activity (e.g., frequent visitors, noise, signs of distress)
- How long it’s been happening
> If you have safeguarding concerns for an adult or child:
- Contact Adult Social Care: 01253 477800 (Duty Team). EDT: 01253 477600
or complete the online Adult referral form
- Contact Children's Social Care via the Request for Support Hub: 01253 477299 (Duty Team) EDT: 01253 477600
or complete the online Child referral form
> Think 'INTRUSION'
Civil Tools and Powers
Cuckooing is currently under consultation for becoming a criminal offence in the UK, introduced under the Crime and Policing Bill 2025. It will criminalise the act of taking over someone's home without consent to use it for illegal activities, such as drug dealing.
Although not currently a criminal offence in its own right, there are civil tools and powers that can be used by local authorities and police in cases of cuckooing. These tools can be used to help the occupant/victim tell others they’re not allowed in the home, using the threat of penalties as support. The Neighbourhood Policing Team will visit more often. This way, the council or police seem like the ones enforcing the rules, not the occupant.
- Community Protection Warning (CPW)
A CPW is an informal warning given to someone whose behaviour is negatively affecting the community. It explains what needs to change and gives them a chance to improve without legal action
- Community Protection Notice (CPN)
A CPN is a formal legal notice issued when someone fails to comply with a CPW and continues the anti-social behaviour. It requires the individual to stop the specified behaviour and take steps to prevent it from happening again.
Closure Orders are used by local authorities and police to shut down premises that are causing significant public nuisance or disorder.
Resources
The Cuckooing Research & Prevention Network have created a range of resources to support professionals in recognising and responding to Cuckooing.