Cuckooing
Cuckooing occurs when a vulnerable individual is exploited in their own house by groups or individuals who intend to use the property for criminal activities. The residence can be utilised for any criminal activity, including drug sales, sexual offences and weapon storage.
Victims of cuckooing
Cuckooing victims are typically people with:
- mental health conditions
- physical disabilities
- those who are lonely or isolated
- those who have or have had an addiction.
Perpetrators will typically form a bond or relationship with the victim in order to have easy access to their house, then threaten to hurt them if they inform anybody.
Signs of cuckooing
- Vulnerable individuals may experience more frequent access to their property, sometimes through unconventional means such as windows or walls.
- An increased anti-social behaviour among young people at the address.
- An increased presence of vehicles and motor bike near the house, with individuals exchanging small amounts of cash in cars.
- Visitors bring goods like TVs or bikes but leave empty-handed.
- Property gets significantly untidy.
- Neighbours report unexpectedly large populations at their address.
- Signs of drug usage or odours on the property.
Report it
If you believe that someone you know is possibly being cuckooed, you can report this to:
MET Police
Telephone: 999 (emergency) 101(non-emergency) and (crime stoppers, anonymously).
You could also visit your local police station. When you report cuckooing, you don’t have to give any personal details and can be completely anonymous.
Lambeth
If you are a Lambeth council tenant, report it to your neighbourhood housing officer - details are on the estate noticeboards. If you are a housing association tenant, please report it to your housing officer.
Submit a Anti-social behaviour form online.
Lambeth Safeguarding Professional line: 020 7926 5555 (24 hours) Public line: 020 7926 5555 (24 hours) you may also complete a Safeguarding adult online form.