🚨CUCKOOING: SPOT THE SIGNS, PROTECT THE VULNERABLE

Here’s a quick update on drugs dealing crime in your area, please be reassured that we’re taking this seriously and are here to help.

Cuckooing is a form of exploitation where criminals take over the home of a vulnerable person and use it for criminal activity, often linked to the use, storage and supply of drugs.

Those targeted may be vulnerable because of addiction, age, disability, isolation or other circumstances. Offenders can initially appear friendly or helpful before using intimidation, violence, debt or dependency to gain control of the person and their home.

🏠 Signs that someone may be a victim of cuckooing can include:
• Frequent visitors at all hours of the day or night
• Unfamiliar people regularly entering or leaving the address
• An increase in drug-related activity or antisocial behaviour
• The resident appearing frightened, withdrawn or uncomfortable around visitors
• People staying at the property who do not normally live there
• The resident suddenly having unexplained money, goods or debts
• A noticeable decline in their wellbeing or the condition of their home

Cuckooing isn’t just about drugs — it is the exploitation of vulnerable people who may be unable or afraid to ask for help.

Protecting vulnerable members of our community is everyone’s responsibility. If something doesn’t seem right, please report your concerns. Even a small piece of information could help police identify someone who is being exploited and safeguard them from further harm.

📞 In an emergency, always call 999.
🌐 For non-emergencies, report your concerns to police online or call 101.

See it. Report it. Help us protect those most vulnerable to exploitation.

Drug dealing is often linked with violent crime and the exploitation of vulnerable people, and discarded drug equipment can be a health risk and counts as antisocial behaviour.  

We’ve put hundreds more officers on the frontlines of community crime-fighting teams, upping visible patrols in the right ‘hot spots’ so we can deter and catch criminals.

We are committed to tackling drug dealing wherever we find it. It forms a key part of our recently published ASB Action Plan. 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 have experienced drug dealing in your area, please report it using our online reporting tools at https://www.met.police.uk 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 www.crimestoppers-uk.org