RECOGNISING CUCKOOING

🏠 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).

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The resident seems frightened, withdrawn, or controlled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

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

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

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

You could protect someone vulnerable and help stop serious crime.

Message Sent By
Adrian Price
(Staffordshire Police, PCSO, South Staffordshire)