Gang Crime and Exploitation

Cuckooing is a form of exploitation where criminals take control of the home of a vulnerable person. It is named after cuckoo birds who take over the nests of other birds. The vulnerable person may be conned, coerced, controlled or intimidated into sharing their home with criminals who then use it as a base for their criminal activity.

There are different type of cuckooing and the property may be used to:

• Deal, store or take drugs (this is the most common form of cuckooing).
• As a place to live and sleep.
• Using the property for sexual exploitation / for sex work.
• To store cash, weapons or other items.
• To financially abuse the tenant.

Victims of cuckooing are targeted because of their vulnerability. Adults who suffer from drug or alcohol dependency, have ill mental health, physical disability or learning difficulties are particularly susceptible but anyone can be targeted.

Cuckooing victims often live in deprived areas and often live alone. They are frequently social housing tenants but this is not always the case and victims may own their home.

Desirable victims for perpetrators are individuals who are not subject to Police, housing or social care attention as they are less likely to have a support network in place.

More information on cuckooing, including different types of cuckooing, signs of cuckooing and what to do if you have concerns can be found on the Hertfordshire Safeguarding Adults Board website (opens in new tab) .

If you have concerns for a person who you believe is being cuckooed you can report your concerns to the Police online at www.herts.police.uk/report (opens in new tab) or by calling 101.

If you would rather remain anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their online form (opens in new tab) .

If it is an emergency, or if a crime is happening now, always call the Police on 999.

Cuckooing is often, but not always, linked to county lines. County lines is a term used to describe gangs and organised criminal networks involved in exporting illegal drugs into one or more importing areas within the UK, using dedicated mobile phones or other form of ‘deal line’. They are likely to exploit children and adults to move and store the drugs and money and they will often use coercion, intimidation, violence (including sexual violence) and weapons. More information can be found on the Home Office website (opens in new tab) .

County lines is a major, cross-cutting issue involving:

• drugs
• violence
• gangs
• safeguarding issues
• criminal and sexual exploitation
• modern slavery
• missing persons