Spot the signs of Cuckooing!

Recently there has been an increase in reports of Cuckooing in the area. 

Cuckooing is where offenders enter a persons home then take over the property to use it to facilitate exploitation. 

Criminal gangs target vulnerable members of the community, they either pay the resident with drugs for the use of their property or trick the resident into debt and force them to use their property.

Once the offenders have control of the address it can be used for dealing, storing or taking drugs, sexual exploitation, they may physically or financially abuse the tenant or prevent them from living at their own address.

The victim of cuckooing may be reluctant to report this to the police in fear of violence or reprisals or the offenders stopping their supply of drugs. Some victims do not realise that they are being exploited and believe the exploiters are their friends. Offenders will look to target the more vulnerable members of the community.

Signs to look out for:

- An increase in footfall to the address throughout the day and night

- An increase in vehicles attending the property 

- New or unfamiliar individuals staying at the address

- The tenant moving out of the property to another address

- Evidence of drug use such as discarded needles, foil cling film around the property

- Increase in anti social behaviour in the area of the property

- Victims disengaging with support services or becoming withdrawn and unwilling to speak about what is happening at their property

If you believe you are a victim of cuckooing or believe someone is please use report this online using the link below
Home - Lancashire Constabulary - Report Online

If you believe someone is in immediate danger please ring 999 and report this immediately.

For more information on cuckooing please visit the link below:

LANCASHIRE POLICE - Lancashire Constabulary

Here is a link to a video from West Yorkshire Police explaining cuckooing and signs to be aware of:

Cuckooing - advice from West Yorkshire Police - YouTube

Thanks 

PC 843 Lamb

Burnley Neighbourhood Policing Team