People in Hertfordshire are being targeted by criminals who take over their homes and use them as bases for drug dealing and other forms of exploitation.
Most victims end up feeling 'trapped', experiencing violence, intimidation, and threats.
This is often associated with other serious crimes such as sexual exploitation, violence, money laundering and human trafficking.
Types of Cuckooing
There are different types of cuckooing, examples include:
- Using a property to deal, store or take drugs.
- Using a property to deal or store weapons.
- Using a property for sex work.
- Taking over a property as a place for others to occupy.
- Taking over a property to financially abuse the resident.
Cuckooed residents include people of any age, particularly those with mental health problems, young mothers, drug users or those living on low income, which criminals can exploit to make them compliant and allow them access to their homes.
Cuckooing often forms part of a wider County Lines activity and is a form of criminal exploitation. The person being cuckooed will likely be reluctant to raise concerns for fear of repercussions or violence.
The signs of potential Cuckooing are:
- Lots of visitors, who don’t stay very long, arriving at all times of the day and night.
- People waiting in cars outside particular properties, exchanging small packets or cash.
- Lots of visitors bringing items such as TVs or bikes but leaving empty handed.
- Lone neighbours suddenly having groups of people living at their address.
- A possible increase in anti-social behaviour.
- Increased litter outside.
- Signs of drugs use.
What do we need from you?
We need members of the community to be vigilant and look out for their neighbours, If you think the activity at a person’s address is suspicious, please report it.
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 speaking out.
If you have suspicions someone may be at risk of cuckooing, please let us know:
- Times, dates and place.
- Vehicle registrations and the make, model and colour.
- Descriptions of people and details of what they were doing.
- Direction they were travelling to and from.
- How many times you have seen them - is it always at the same time of day?
Don’t put yourself at risk. Always pass information to the police and do not confront or approach suspected drug dealers.
You can report your concerns:
Online at: www.herts.police.uk/Report.
Or Call 101
If you would rather remain anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form (opens in new window)
In an emergency, or if a crime is happening now, always call the police on 999.
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