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Protect yourself and others from Cuckooing: where criminals take over someone's home for criminal activity
Heard about Cuckooing*? It’s where organised criminals take over the home of a vulnerable adult for criminal activity. It could involve using the property:
- To deal, store, or take drugs.
- To engage with sex work.
- As a place for criminals to live.
- To financially abuse the resident.
Plus, in some cases, criminals might pay other neighbours to watch the people coming and going from the property.
It’s so important to know what to look out for and how to report Cuckooing if you think you or someone else could be a victim (especially if they’re unaware of the issues at play).
You could help keep yourself and others out of danger by letting us know if you notice something unusual. Some common signs of Cuckooing include:
A possible increase in antisocial behaviour.
Frequent visitors at unsociable hours.
Signs of drug use, such as unusual smells coming from a property.
Changes in the resident’s daily routine.
Not seeing the person who lives there, and when you do, there is a clear change in behaviour (such as appearing anxious).
Suspicious or unfamiliar vehicles outside an address.
We’re here for you. Please tell us if you suspect that you or someone else might be a victim of Cuckooing. You can call:
- Our Neighbourhood Safety and Enforcement Team on 01204 328000 (for more information on our team, you can visit: www.boltonathome.org.uk/tackling-asb).
- The Police on 101, or 999 in an emergency.
- Crimestoppers using 0800 555111.
*Cuckooing takes its name from cuckoos, who take over the nests of other birds.