The beginning of March is County Lines Week, when agencies, including the police and local authorities, focus on breaking the cycle of drug dealing and protecting vulnerable people from being lured into a criminal lifestyle.
County lines is where illegal drugs are sent from one area to another, often by children or vulnerable people who are coerced into it by gangs. This year, the theme is cuckooing and we wanted to share where to find support and the signs to look out for.
Like cuckoos, which take over nests, cuckooing is where people take control of someone’s home and use it for illegal activity, and financially exploit the tenant.
Meet Your Neighbours - Event at Heath Town
The Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub will be at the Hope Centre, Heath Town, for a Meet Your Neighbours event with the Hope Community Project. They will share support and information on what to look out for regarding cuckooing. It's free to attend so please do pop in on the day for a range of community support.
Monday 26 February 2024
12 noon - 2.30pm
40 Ling House, Long Ley, WV10 0HH
Common signs of cuckooing
Some of the common signs that someone’s property is being cuckooed include:
- An increase in people entering and leaving – especially at strange times
- An increase in cars or bikes outside
- An increase in anti-social behaviour and noise
- Increased litter outside
- You haven't seen the person who lives there recently or when you have, they have been anxious or distracted
The “cuckoos” exploit vulnerable people by establishing a relationship with them to gain control and access their home. They often use threats to control their victim.
Who is most vulnerable to cuckooing?
The criminals often target the most vulnerable in society, including individuals who:
- Are connected to people involved with drug gangs
- Experience mental health difficulties
- Experience substance misuse issues
- Are socially isolated
- Have a learning or physical disability, or illness
- Are care leavers
How to report cuckooing
Members of the public can call 01902 551199. Wolverhampton Multi Agency Referral Form (MARF) has a screening tool.
You can also:
- Report in confidence to the Police online or by calling 101
- Make an anonymous report to Crime Stoppers online or by calling 0800 555 111