Cuckooing

I wanted to provide you with an update regarding Drug dealing, which people around your area have highlighted as an issue of concern on the priority survey.

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 emergency SMS 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.
Support
If you'd prefer to talk to someone else before reporting it to the police, there are people you can call.
Victim Support is a national charity that gives confidential advice.
If you or someone you know is feeling distressed, contact the Samaritans.
The NSPCC has a helpline if you’re concerned about a child.

The illicit drugs market is big business, worth an estimated £9.4 billion a year and drug deaths have reached an all-time. Taking the health harms, costs of crime and wider impacts on society together, it is estimated the total costs of drugs to society are over £19 billion, which is more than twice the value of the market itself.

If you are adversely affected by antisocial behaviour in your community associated with drug use, The Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 outlines the flexible tools and powers that the police, local authorities and other local agencies can use to respond quickly and effectively to antisocial behaviour.

If you ever experience this issue or have information regarding an incident, please report it using our online reporting tools at https://www.westmercia.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 per cent anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form at crimestoppers-uk.org

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