RECOGNISING CUCKOOING

RECOGNISING CUCKOOING

Dear Resident

🏠 What is “Cuckooing”?

Cuckooing is when criminals take over a vulnerable person’s home to use it for illegal activity, often drug dealing (county lines).

🔍 Spot the Signs

·  Frequent visitors at all hours of the day and night

·  People coming and going quickly and repeatedly

·  The resident seems frightened, withdrawn, or controlled

·  Increase in anti-social behaviour, noise, or rubbish

·  Property looks neglected or different (e.g. curtains always closed)

·  Unfamiliar faces staying at the address

·  Evidence of drug use or dealing

👤 Who’s at Risk?

Criminals often target:

·  Elderly or isolated people

·  Those with mental health or learning difficulties

·  People with drug or alcohol dependency

·  Individuals living alone or vulnerable in the community

⚠️ Why It Matters

Cuckooing is a form of exploitation and abuse.
Victims are often too scared to speak out.

📢 Report Your Concerns

✅ Call 101 – West Mercia Police
🚨 In an emergency call 999
🔒 Anonymous: Crimestoppers 0800 555 111

💬 If something doesn’t feel right, report it.

You could protect someone vulnerable and help stop serious crime.