Police cracking down on cuckooing

Can you help?

Officers in Plymouth are seeking help from locals to identify potential cuckooing victims for protection and to apprehend offenders.

Cuckooing is when criminals exploit a person's home to store or distribute drugs after manipulating and befriending the victims.

The criminal may intimidate the vulnerable person to maintain control, isolating them and using threats to prevent interference.

Criminals target vulnerable individuals in society, including those with mental health issues, substance misuse, social isolation, disabilities, or illnesses.

Inspector Dom Nicholls said: “Whilst numbers remain low, unfortunately we know that cuckooing does happens across our communities and often the victims of these crimes are some of the most vulnerable people in our neighbourhoods.

“We want to educate the public on the signs to look out for. Our officers are working closely with partner agencies including the local council, to identify and support victims of cuckooing, which is proving successful; however, we still need the support of our local communities to help us identify other possible victims of cuckooing which we may not know about.”

There are several signs to look out for that may indicate someone is a victim of cuckooing:

-An increase in people entering and leaving the property, especially at strange times
-Frequent visitors at unsociable hours
-Changes in a person’s daily routine
-Unusual smells coming from a property
-Suspicious, or unfamiliar vehicles outside an address

You haven't seen the person who lives there recently, or when you have, they have been anxious or distracted

If concerned about drug-related crime or exploitation, call 101 or 999 in emergencies.

Report anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or online