Police officers in Notts are appealing to people in Gedling borough to help identify possible victims of cuckooing.
Cuckooing, named after cuckoos which invade the nests of other birds, is commonly used by criminals to take over a person’s home to store, supply, and produce drugs, or other crimes.
Criminals often target the most vulnerable, including those who experience substance misuse, have a physical or learning disability, have a mental health condition, are elderly, or are struggling financially.
They may offer teh victim money, friendship, drugs, alcohol, clothing, a relationship, or pay for food and utilities to quickly build a rapport.
In exchange, they may ask to ‘borrow’ a room to store something or meet ‘friends’ at the property.
Gradually, any perceived ‘benefits’ will reduce and the offender may threaten the victim with violence if they try to end their criminal behaviour.
Nottinghamshire Police has now launched Operation Conclusion to tackle the crime.
Premises and individuals involved in cuckooing tend to be repeat victims and addresses so Op Conclusion officers will use information obtained from enforcement to tackle the root cause.
Properties are assessed into one of three severity categories that each have safeguarding actions associated with them, such as completing a welfare visit, increasing high-visibility patrols in the area, or referring the victim for further support.
New legislation announced in February to make cuckooing a specific criminal offence will carry a maximum punishment of five years’ imprisonment.
Under existing guidelines, officers dealing with a suspected cuckooing case may look to other offences including modern slavery, offensive weapons, and assault to bring charges.
Detective Sergeant Georgie Gallagher, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “While these types of incidents are thankfully rare, unfortunately, we know that cuckooing does happen and often exploits the most vulnerable in society.
“Cuckooing is hidden behind closed doors and victims can be reluctant to seek help because they often do not see themselves as victims or are under the control of violent offenders.
“Educating the public on the signs of cuckooing to be aware of is an effective way to protect the vulnerable and tackle crime in our communities.
“Once members of the public learn the signs, it may be obvious to them that a neighbouring address in their community is being cuckooed that could otherwise be difficult for the police and partner agencies to identify.
“If you see something that doesn’t look or feel right, or you have information that may assist our investigations, please do come forward to help make your neighbourhood safer.”
What are the signs of cuckooing?
- An increase in visitors to a property – brief visits around the clock
- An increase in vehicles arriving at a property, including bikes, mopeds, cars, and taxis
- An increase in litter outside the property, including takeaway boxes or discarded drug paraphernalia such as foil, syringes, and cling film
- Unexplained injuries or victims providing accounts that do not reflect the injuries
- Changes in mood, appearance, or behaviour
- Moving out of the property while an unknown person remains
- Receiving excessive phone calls and text messages
- Being in possession of large sums of money or goods that cannot be accounted for
- An increase in reports of antisocial behaviour in the area
- Possessing drug-dealing or drug-manufacturing equipment, such as scales, deal bags, and pill presses
- Unfamiliar people driving the victim’s car or being driven by the victim
- Bedding or clothing inside a property that does not belong to the victim
- Loud parties, overgrown gardens, graffiti, damage to doors and windows, and external doors being propped open
If you think someone you know may be a victim of exploitation and cuckooing, call Nottinghamshire Police on 101.
In an emergency, always dial 999.
Information can be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers via their website or call 0800 555 111.
If you are not able to talk when you need urgent police help, the Silent Solution service is available.
After dialling, listen to the questions from the call handler and respond by coughing or tapping your device, if you can. If prompted, press 55 to let the call handler know it is a genuine emergency and you will be connected to the police.
