High-profile campaign unveiled by Merseyside Police to alert people to ‘cuckooing’

A major campaign has launched across Merseyside to raise awareness of ‘cuckooing’ as part of an ongoing police crackdown on drug crime and exploitation.

Cuckooing is a type of exploitation where a victim is intimidated, manipulated and threatened into having their home used by criminals as a base for illegal activities - typically as part of a common method of drug supply known as county lines.

Victims may find themselves in a situation where drugs, weapons or cash are being stored or dealt from their home or where people they do not know are coming and going from their property without their consent.

Often, these criminals financially, physically or sexually abuse them, and threaten them with harm if they tell anyone. Victims are often left with little choice but to cooperate.

The new campaign is part of robust action by Merseyside Police to help communities identify ‘cuckooing’ so they can confidently report it to police at the earliest opportunity - helping officers and partners to safeguard more victims.

The campaign will reach Merseyside’s communities via digital messaging screens at bus stops and supermarkets, roadside kiosks, bus advertising, posters, leaflets and advans alongside social media advertising on Snapchat, Spotify and other platforms.

It forms part of the relentless and proactive work being undertaken by Merseyside Police and its partners under Operation Trespass to tackle drug-fuelled exploitation and to support and rebuild communities impacted by drug activity.

Inspector Susan Stribling, has led on Operation Trespass, said: “People who are manipulated and threatened into having their homes used as criminal enterprises are victims of exploitation and need urgent help.  

“The sooner we help our communities to understand ‘cuckooing’, how to spot the signs, and where they should raise the alarm, the sooner we can take action to protect the individual and prevent further harm. This is the whole premise of this campaign.

“Perpetrators of cuckooing are incredibly calculated. They work alone or in gangs and are selective over who they target, often homing in on victims who are lonely, isolated, have a physical or mental health condition or have drug or alcohol dependency. They will go to significant lengths to befriend a victim, offering ‘free’ benefits including drugs, alcohol and cash to build a rapport, before swiftly turning their homes into a place of fear and abuse.

“Sadly, many of those who suffer at their hands do not perceive or recognise themselves as victims. This is why it is imperative we engage the support of our communities in getting them the urgent help they need.

“If you believe a neighbour, family member or friend is a victim of cuckooing, please trust your instincts, and report it as soon as possible.”

How to spot the signs of cuckooing

Ask yourself:

Is there increased antisocial behaviour, including noise disturbances and littering?

Are more people entering and leaving the property than normal?

Are there signs of drug use?

Is there damage to the property such as broken doors and windows, or blacked out windows?

Are there people in the property that seem out of place, such as people with non-local accents or school-aged youths?

Is there an increase in bikes and cars parked outside?

Are there signs of wealth that seem out of place?

Has your neighbour’s general wellbeing and mental health declined?

Who is targeted?

The following individuals are sometimes targeted for cuckooing:

• Those who suffer from drug and/or alcohol addiction

• Those who are struggling financially

• The elderly

• People with mental health issues

• Individuals with learning disabilities

How can you help?

Merseyside Police will support anyone who is a victim of cuckooing and work with partners to safeguard victims and identify the criminals.

For more information about the campaign, visit:Help protect people from cuckooing in Merseyside | Merseyside Police

If you know of someone who is a victim, there are a variety of ways you can get in contact:

• Call 101 (in an emergency, if a crime is in progress or there is a threat to live, always call 999). Please mention ‘Operation Trespass’ and ‘Cuckooing’ when you call

• Report online via the ‘Report a crime’page - mention ‘Operation Trespass’ and ‘Cuckooing’ when you call

• Or, if you would like to remain anonymous, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visitgive information anonymously.