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I wanted to provide an update regarding drug dealing / drug use, which some members around this area have highlighted as an issue of concern on the Met Engage priority survey. Currently we are dealing proactively with two addresses that are being used where vulnerable tenants are being exploited for other users to take drugs. The knock on effect on the community is huge and it makes people feel unsafe. Often residents suffer in silence due to fear. Lets work together to stamp these addresses out. Please report anything that does not feel right. See speak out and notify the team and we promise to safeguard and carry out regular checks to ensure the safety of all.
Cuckooing is when criminals take over someone's home to use it as a base for crime.
The victim's home may be used for:
dealing drugs
storing weapons
sex work
other illegal activities
By using the victim's home, the criminal hopes they can avoid the police.
Victims of cuckooing
Criminals usually target vulnerable people.
This may be:
someone with a drug or alcohol problem
someone with money troubles
someone with a mental health issue or disability
an elderly person
How it happens
The criminal often gives the victim something first. This could be money, drugs, or help.
Later, they convince the victim to let them use their home. They may do this through intimidation or as part of a friendly relationship.
Once inside the home, the criminal usually becomes more aggressive. They take control, and other criminals may visit or stay there. The situation may become so bad that the victim no longer wants to be in the home.
The criminal may try to make the victim do things, like sell drugs.
The victim may feel too frightened to tell anyone. They may still care about the criminal and see them as a friend.
Signs to watch for
Some of these things could be a sign of cuckooing.
The victim may show:
a change in mood
a change in behaviour, for example, less contact with family, friends or neighbours
a change in routine
a change in appearance, for example, an injury, weight loss or not taking care of how they dress
At or around the home, you may notice:
lots of visitors
bikes and cars always arriving or parked nearby
antisocial behaviour
graffiti or damage
litter such as alcohol bottles or cans
drug-related items such as syringes, foil or cling film
Reporting it to the police
When to call 999
Call 999 now in emergency situations like these:
there is an immediate danger to life
someone is using violence or is threatening to be violent
a crime is happening right now and the suspect is still at the scene
Hearing or speech impairments
If you’ve pre-registered with the emergencySMS service, use our textphone service 18000 or text us on 999.
Call 999 BSL to use a British Sign Language interpreter.
If it's not an emergency
You can report it:
online
by calling 101
Report anonymously
You can report anonymously via the Crimestoppers website or by calling 0800 555 111
 We are committed to tackling drug dealing wherever we find it. We will keep you updated on our efforts to do this in your area, but if you have any concerns or evidence, it is important you report this as soon as possible. If you ever experience this issue or have information regarding an incident, please report it using our online reporting tools at https://www.met.police.uk/, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat or call the non-emergency number 101. Alternatively, you can stay 100% anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form at crimestoppers-uk.org. We are working on our brand-new strategy for how we police London and we want your help. Our New Met for London: Phase 2 strategy will guide how we deliver on behalf of Londoners over the next three years, and we want to make sure you have had the chance to have your say. The consultation paper is available online, as well as a survey to let us know what you think. This closes on the 15 September. |
