Cuckooing: What It Is and How You Can Help Protect Vulnerable People

Cuckooing: What It Is and How You Can Help Protect Vulnerable People

Dear Resident,

Your local policing teams are raising awareness of a crime known as "cuckooing", which can have a devastating impact on vulnerable members of our community.

What is Cuckooing?

Cuckooing occurs when criminals take over the home of a vulnerable person and use it for illegal activities such as:

Drug dealing and drug use

Storing weapons or stolen property

Exploitation of vulnerable adults

Organised criminal activity

The term comes from the cuckoo bird, which takes over the nests of other birds. In the same way, offenders take control of another person's home for their own criminal purposes.

Victims are often targeted because they may be:

Elderly

Living alone

Struggling with addiction

Experiencing mental health issues

Living with a disability

Socially isolated or vulnerable

Many victims are intimidated, threatened, manipulated, or coerced into allowing criminals into their homes.

Signs an Address May Be Affected by Cuckooing

While a single sign does not necessarily indicate criminal activity, residents should be aware of the following indicators:

Unusual Visitor Activity

A large number of visitors attending the property at all hours of the day or night.

People arriving and leaving after only a few minutes.

Increased foot traffic from individuals not normally associated with the address.

Changes in the Occupier's Behaviour

The resident appears withdrawn, frightened, anxious, or reluctant to speak.

They seem to have lost control of who comes and goes from their home.

Friends, family, or support workers are no longer seen visiting.

Signs of Criminal Activity

Regular taxis or vehicles stopping briefly at the address.

Frequent exchanges taking place outside the property.

Strong smells associated with drug use.

Noise, disturbances, or anti-social behaviour increasing around the location.

Property Changes

Damage to doors or windows.

Increased litter, discarded drug paraphernalia, or suspicious items nearby.

Curtains constantly closed or unusual security measures appearing suddenly.

How You Can Help

The community plays a vital role in identifying and safeguarding vulnerable people.

If you notice something that doesn't seem right:

✅ Trust your instincts.

✅ Make a note of dates, times, descriptions, and vehicle registrations where safe to do so.

✅ Report concerns to the police, even if you are unsure.

Your information could help protect a vulnerable person from exploitation and prevent criminal activity in your neighbourhood.

Reporting Concerns

If you believe someone is in immediate danger, always call 999.

For non-emergency concerns:

Call 101

Report online via Report a crime | Leicestershire Police

Contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit www.crimestoppers-uk.org

A Safer Community Together

Cuckooing often takes place behind closed doors, but by recognising the signs and reporting concerns, residents can help safeguard vulnerable people and disrupt criminal activity.

If you see something unusual or have concerns about an address in your area, please report it. Your information could make a significant difference to someone's safety and wellbeing.

You can keep up to date with what your local beat team gets up to by following us on social media: Oadby and Wigston Police | Facebook

Many thanks

Your Local Beat Teams

Please do not report crime or incidents via 'Neighbourhood Link' as the messages are not always monitored.

Reply to this message

Message Sent By
Catherine Proctor
(Leicestershire Police, PC 168, Harborough and Wigston)