Police take steps to protect vulnerable people from cuckooing after issuing closure orders, Bodmin

Partial closure orders served at two properties in Bodmin now make it illegal for visitors to enter the properties after police took steps to safeguard the tenants.

This activity forms part of the police’s approach to protect vulnerable individuals from suspected exploitation within their own home.

The orders will remain in place for three months, allowing only the named tenant, police officers, social workers and health professionals to enter or remain at the address

The local neighbourhood team in Bodmin continue to work closely with local partners to ensure the affected tenants receive relevant support to further protect them from harm.

Inspector Adam Stonehill, who heads up the local neighbourhood team, said: “These orders are an important step for us to take action against those who choose to take advantage of others in our community.

“In both of these cases, the tenants were victims of cuckooing which is a practice where criminals take over a person’s home and use the property for exploitation purposes and personal gain. 

“Our officers will be enforcing these orders, imposing relevant consequences to any individuals who shouldn’t be there.”

Anyone found to be breaking the order will receive a fine, imprisonment or both. 

The partial closure orders were served on Tuesday 13 January.

Insp Stonehill added: “We take these offences very seriously.

“Keeping people safe from harm remains at the core of what we do, and our team will continue to do all they can to protect vulnerable people from being a victim of crime.”

Commenting on the importance of reporting, Insp Stonehill states how vital information from the public is in keeping people safe:

“If something doesn’t look quite right – please report it to us.

“Some of the possible signs of exploitation to look out for include:

“Your reports are key in us taking steps to keep people safe.”

For more information about cuckooing and exploitation, visit: Cuckooing | Devon & Cornwall Police

If you would like to raise a concern with the police, please report on our website or call 101. If a crime is taking place, call 999. Information can also be passed 100% anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555111, or via their website.

If you have been affected by crime, please visit victimcare-dc.org to access support services and information on your rights and how to navigate the criminal justice system. You can also call Victim Support on 08 08 16 89 111 or Devon and Cornwall Police’s Victim Care Unit on 01392 475900.