Cuckooing is a type of exploitation by criminal gangs. It involves befriending someone, then taking over their home and using it to deal drugs. The name comes from the cuckoo bird, which is known for laying its eggs in other birds’ nests.
This type of activity is closely linked to ‘county lines’ drug trafficking, where people are used to supply drugs from major cities to suburban, rural and coastal areas. In this case, the victim’s home becomes a base for developing operations in a new area.
People targeted are often unable to protect themselves from being exploited as they may be:
- People who use substances or people with a history of substance use.
- People with physical and or mental health issues, or cognitive impairment.
- People who are socially isolated, for example by living alone or through age.
- Victims of Domestic abuse.
Organised crime groups use a range of tactics to exploit others, such as:
- Offering drugs in exchange for use of the person's home
- Offering friendship
- Using force or threats of violence
How to spot the signs of cuckooing
Sometimes the person being exploited has no idea, or is simply too afraid to speak up. This can make it difficult to spot what’s going on.
If you are concerned that someone you know is a victim of cuckooing, look out for the following warning signs:
- The person can become unusually withdrawn or show other changes in behaviour
- They may start to struggle to manage their finances
- Increased number of people entering and leaving the property at all times of the day and night
- Increased number of cars or bikes outside the property
- Possible increase in anti-social behaviour in and around the property
- Increased litter outside
- Disengagement with support services or healthcare services
- Signs of drug use or possible relapse
Our Specialist outreach team provide:
- Experienced, assertive outreach workers who provide brief but intense support.
- Link in Multi agency support to connect people with services.
- Rapid response to support clients at immediate risk.
- Provide prevention advice and support.
- Help people build resilience to prevent future exploitation.
- Help prevent risk of property closures.
Our Specialist outreach team can work with you to provide:
Please fill in this form.
If you prefer, you can visit our downloads page, fill out the Cuckoo Referral form
To download the Cuckoo Leaflet please visit our downloads page.
Our Specialist outreach team provide:
- Experienced, assertive outreach workers who provide brief but intense support.
- Link in Multi agency support to connect people with services.
- Rapid response to support clients at immediate risk.
- Provide prevention advice and support.
- Help people build resilience to prevent future exploitation.
- Help prevent risk of property closures.
Our Specialist outreach team can work with you to provide:
Please fill in this form.
If you prefer, you can visit our downloads page, fill out the Cuckoo Referral form and email it back to karen.jones@catalystsupport.org.uk.
To download the Cuckoo Leaflet please visit our downloads page.
