Crimestoppers
Fearless - Our Youth Service
Rise in drugs dealers taking over vulnerable people’s homes
We've launched a campaign in Essex to help stop criminal gangs taking over the homes of more vulnerable people in the county who struggle to fend for themselves.
The practice is called ‘cuckooing’, mimicking the way a cuckoo lays eggs for other birds to hatch and raise. Gangs target the homes of vulnerable people and use the property as a base for drugs dealing or other criminal activities.
Victims of ‘cuckooing’ are often drug users, but can include people with mental or physical health conditions, female sex workers, single mums or those living in poverty and older people. Victims may suffer from other forms of addiction, such as alcoholism.
Once they gain control, gangs move in with the risk of sexual exploitation and violence. Children, as well as adults, are used as drug runners. Gangs may use properties in rural areas, including flats, holiday lets, budget hotels and caravan parks.
Some vulnerable adults may even be forced to leave their homes, making themselves homeless whilst leaving gangs free to sell drugs.
Signs of 'cuckooing' include:
We do this by passing on people’s suspicions or concerns in a safe way by guaranteeing everyone who contacts us on the phone or online remains 100% anonymous. Always.
Speak up, stay safe and stop crime by calling our professionally-staffed 24-hour UK Contact Centre on 0800 555 111 or by using the non-traceable anonymous online form.
The practice is called ‘cuckooing’, mimicking the way a cuckoo lays eggs for other birds to hatch and raise. Gangs target the homes of vulnerable people and use the property as a base for drugs dealing or other criminal activities.
Victims of ‘cuckooing’ are often drug users, but can include people with mental or physical health conditions, female sex workers, single mums or those living in poverty and older people. Victims may suffer from other forms of addiction, such as alcoholism.
Once they gain control, gangs move in with the risk of sexual exploitation and violence. Children, as well as adults, are used as drug runners. Gangs may use properties in rural areas, including flats, holiday lets, budget hotels and caravan parks.
Some vulnerable adults may even be forced to leave their homes, making themselves homeless whilst leaving gangs free to sell drugs.
Signs of 'cuckooing' include:
- An increase in people entering and leaving
- An increase in cars or bikes outside
- Curtains may be closed most of the time
- Possible increase in anti-social behaviour
- A build-up of litter
- Signs of drugs use
- Lack of healthcare visitors
We do this by passing on people’s suspicions or concerns in a safe way by guaranteeing everyone who contacts us on the phone or online remains 100% anonymous. Always.
Speak up, stay safe and stop crime by calling our professionally-staffed 24-hour UK Contact Centre on 0800 555 111 or by using the non-traceable anonymous online form.
