Cuckooing is a form of criminal exploitation. It is the term used when a person alleged to be causing harm uses the home of an adult at risk to handle cash proceeds of crime, to store and/or supply drugs, weapons or engage in other criminal activities, including using the accommodation as a place to stay and coercion and control of the person.

The impact of cuckooing on victims is significant and they may become homeless as a result or subject to enforcement orders or criminal proceedings.

They may be at risk of domestic abuse, financial abuse, sexual exploitation, violence, physical and psychological/emotional abuse, as defined by the Care Act 2014, and may require a statutory Safeguarding response.

Cuckooing is often linked to county lines and can also be linked to other forms of exploitation and crime such as mate crime, modern slavery and human trafficking. The term ‘County lines’ is used to describe when illegal drugs are transported from one area to another often by children or adults at risk.

Adults who are at risk often have care and support needs. They can be an older person living alone, a person with physical or learning disabilities or a mental health condition. Adults with a substance misuse or criminal history can also be at risk, as well as individuals who are socially isolated and lonely who look for friendship in any form.

The person alleged to be causing harm may gain access to the individual’s home by befriending them, using coercion or offering them free illegal drugs in exchange for using their home as a base for criminal activities. They may use females/males to befriend the victim and become their partner, before introducing their friends who may take over the property.

People alleged to be causing harm move around and may rotate through several properties (staying for short periods in each home and then moving on). The home may be used for a few hours, days or even longer in order for them to avoid detection by the Police.