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As I mentioned in my Ward Sergeant update, below is some information about Cuckooing. If you think this is happening near you, please do let us know urgently, the sooner we know, the sooner we can take positive action. Cuckooing is when criminals take over someone's home to use it as a base for crime. The victim's home may be used for: dealing drugsstoring weaponssex workother illegal activitiesBy using the victim's home, the criminal hopes they can avoid the police. Victims of cuckooing Criminals usually target vulnerable people. This may be: someone with a drug or alcohol problemsomeone with money troublessomeone with a mental health issue or disabilityan elderly person How it happens The criminal often gives the victim something first. This could be money, drugs, or ‘help’.Later, they convince the victim to let them use their home. They may do this through intimidation or as part of a ‘friendly’ relationship.Once inside the home, the criminal usually becomes more aggressive. They take control and other criminals may visit or stay there. The situation may become so bad that the victim no longer wants to be in the home.The criminal may try to make the victim do things, like sell drugs.The victim may feel too frightened to tell anyone. They may still care about the criminal and see them as a friend. Signs to watch for Some of these things could be a sign of cuckooing. The victim may show: a change in mooda change in behaviour, for example, less contact with family, friends or neighboursa change in routinea change in appearance, for example, an injury, weight loss or not taking care of how they dress At or around the home, you may notice: lots of visitorsbikes and cars always arriving or parked nearbyantisocial behaviourgraffiti or damagelitter such as alcohol bottles or cansdrug-related items such as syringes, foil or cling film If you believe this is happening at an address near you, please contact one of the following - you could save lives! Online – https://www.met.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/ 999 – In an emergency 101 – Non emergency Crime Stoppers – anonymously on 0800 555 111 | 
