Cuckooing is now a standalone criminal offence in the Crime and Policing Act 2026 and is recognised as a form of modern slavery under UK law.

What is cuckooing?

Cuckooing is where criminals take control over the home of another person to use it for criminal activity.

The victim's home may be used for crimes such as:

  • Drug dealing
  • Money laundering
  • Storing weapons
  • Sex work and other forms of exploitation

Criminals often target vulnerable people and convince them to let them use their home.

What are the signs of cuckooing?

At the property:

  • Lots of unfamiliar people coming and going
  • Visitors arriving at unusual times
  • Strong chemical smells or of smell of drugs
  • Windows covered or curtains always drawn
  • Increase in cars or bikes stopping outside
  • Increased anti-social behaviour or noise

The victim:

  • Withdrawing from family and friends
  • Being anxious or upset
  • Having unexplained injuries or signs of abuse

Cuckooing is often linked to 'county lines' drug operations and is believed to affect about 10,000 vulnerable adults every year in the UK.

What can you do if you suspect a neighbour, family member or friend is a victim of cuckooing?

You can contact our Anti-social Behaviour team.

West Midlands Police has more information on cuckooing and how to report it

https://www.westmidlands.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/cuckooing/cuckooing/

You can also contact Wolverhampton Safeguarding Together: https://wolverhamptonsafeguarding.org.uk/

This short video explains what cuckooing is and how to spot the signs: https://youtu.be/Ql8UDeMUQGA