Cuckooing

Report cuckooing

What is cuckooing?

Cuckooing is when someone takes over another person’s home to commit crime.

The word comes from the cuckoo bird. Cuckoo birds steal other birds’ nests.

What can happen in cuckooing?

People may use the home to:

  • sell or store drugs
  • take drugs
  • do sex work
  • keep stolen things
  • live there without permission
  • take the person’s money

What happens to the victim?

They may:

  • be scared or hurt
  • be locked in one room
  • feel they cannot say no

Who is most at risk?

Anyone can be a victim.

But people most at risk include:

  • people who use drugs or alcohol
  • people with mental health problems
  • older people
  • people with disabilities
  • people who are lonely
  • people with little money
  • sex workers

Signs someone may be a victim

Look out for:

  • lots of visitors, day and night
  • more noise or trouble near the home
  • more bikes or cars outside
  • damage to doors or windows
  • you do not see the person much, or they seem worried
  • doors left open or broken
  • bruises or cuts on the person

What to do if you're worried

If you think someone is being cuckooed: