Warrants have been carried out in Bath as part of efforts by police to target criminals who are taking over the homes of vulnerable people to use them as bases for drug dealing and other crimes.
The practice, known as ‘cuckooing’, is a form of exploitation where individuals or gangs manipulate people, often those who are vulnerable, to gain access to their properties.
Common targets will be people with drug and alcohol addictions, financial problems, physical or mental health conditions or learning difficulties.
A series of warrants have already been carried out in the city, with neighbourhood police officers taking enforcement action to arrest those suspected to be involved.
Officers are also regularly visiting people they believe may be vulnerable to this type of crime.
Neighbourhood Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) have been talking to neighbours in areas where cuckooing is suspected and posting information through letterboxes, explaining how people can help spot the signs and report suspicious behaviour.
Perpetrators of cuckooing often befriend their victims by offering free gifts, protection, or drugs.
However, these later come at a high price as more and more people connected to the perpetrator move into the victim’s home and use it to facilitate crime, including exploitation and storing, converting, or dealing drugs.
Cuckooing has a devastating impact on victims, often escalating their addiction and causing declines in their mental and physical health.
They are likely to find themselves trapped, threatened by those now in control, and unable to see a way out. In some cases, victims have abandoned their homes entirely and ended up living on the streets.
Communities also suffer due to the linked anti-social behaviour, increased rubbish, vandalism, and general sense of insecurity that surround the property.
Neighbourhood Policing Inspector Jon Nash says cuckooing and other drug-related crime will not be tolerated and his team are acting wherever cuckooing is suspected.
He explained: “The execution of several warrants in the city centre earlier this month by the Bath and North East Somerset Neighbourhood Policing Teams resulted in the recovery of a substantial quantity of drugs, weapons and equipment associated with drugs supply. We have so far made six arrests.
“Our investigations are continuing, but we are also working on other leads and people in our communities can help with that, by adding to what we know or suspect.
“Spotting the signs of cuckooing and reporting is one of the best ways the public can look out for their neighbours and some of the most vulnerable people in our society.
“It helps us identify victims and we can put support in place, through working with partners, to protect them. It also helps us identify the criminals responsible and bring them to justice.
“Where appropriate, we will close properties down to prevent the drug harm that is being brought into a community.
“We are regularly patrolling areas where cuckooing is suspected. If you have any information or have seen anything suspicious, please tell our officers, report to us on 101 (always 999 in an emergency) or online via the Avon and Somerset Police website.
“You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, where you can report anonymously.”
What does cuckooing look like?
There are likely to be signs when a home has been taken over for criminal purposes.
Most common signs are:
- The victim not being seen by neighbours for a while
- People remaining in the property while the victim is out
- Unfamiliar people driving the victim’s car, or being driven by the victim
- Curtains or blinds being closed during the day
- Gardens becoming overgrown
- Children and young people with no known connection to the victim are seen entering the property
Other signs might include:
- An increase in the number of visitors to the property through the day and night, often visiting for only short periods of time
- An increase in bikes, mopeds and vehicles (including taxis and hire cars) arriving at the property or parking close by
- People arriving in expensive cars
- The usual occupier of the property having new associates staying and bags of clothing and / or extra bedding in the property
- The usual occupier moving out or staying away from the property whilst an unknown person remains
- Groups of people congregating in front gardens or at the back of a property
- An increase in litter outside of the property, including takeaway boxes and discarded drugs paraphernalia (e.g. foil, syringes, cling film) or evidence of drug dealing (e.g. scales, deal bags)
- Individuals with substantial amounts of cash or multiple mobile phones.
- External doors being propped open
- Damage to doors and windows
- Unknown people pressing buzzers to gain access to buildings
- An increase in local crime including theft and anti-social behaviour
Victims of cuckooing may disengage with support services and be unwilling to discuss what is happening at their property when the subject is raised with them.
