Cuckooing, also known as home invasion, is a form of criminal exploitation where criminals take over a person’s home and use it to facilitate exploitation, most commonly to store, deal or distribute drugs. It may also involve the property being used for sex work, storing weapons, housing others, or financially abusing the tenant. 

Adults with care and support needs, people who are isolated, lonely or otherwise vulnerable may be particularly at risk. Criminals may begin by befriending the adult, offering friendship, relationships, drugs, alcohol, money or clothing, before gradually increasing control over the person and their home.

Who may be at risk?

Cuckooing can happen to anyone, but risk may increase where a person:

• lives alone or is socially isolated
• has care and support needs
• experiences mental ill-health, substance use, learning disability or other vulnerabilities
• is in insecure housing or has financial pressures
• has a property that is easy to access or useful to those exploiting them
• is being coerced, controlled, threatened or intimidated

Drug use in combination with other risk factors can significantly increase an adult’s risk of being cuckooed.

Signs to look out for

Possible indicators include:

• more people coming and going from the property, especially at unusual times
• unfamiliar vehicles, taxis, bikes or hire cars outside the address
• unknown people staying at or accessing the property
• the adult not being at home, avoiding visits, or refusing access to professionals
• increased anti-social behaviour, damage to the property or concerns from neighbours
• issues with keys, doors being propped open, or unknown people using buzzers
• increased drug use, paraphernalia, weapons, multiple phones or excessive calls/texts
• sudden new relationships, isolation from usual networks, fearfulness, stress or unexplained injuries
• financial problems, rent arrears, increased possessions, or unexplained money

The warning signs are not exhaustive and may indicate other support needs, but they should prompt professional curiosity and further consideration. 

Why people may not report it

People experiencing cuckooing may be frightened to seek help because of threats, intimidation, shame, fear of eviction, fear of police, concerns about being blamed for criminal activity, or fear of being seen as a “grass”. They may not identify themselves as a victim, so practitioners should avoid relying only on direct questions.

What should practitioners do?

If you are worried that someone may be experiencing cuckooing:

1. Do not ignore the signs. Report concerns to your line manager or Designated Safeguarding Officer. 
2. Keep the adult at the centre. Consider their views, wishes, feelings, desired outcomes, mental capacity, and whether coercion or undue influence may be present. 
3. Use Making Safeguarding Personal. Responses should be person-led, outcome-focused, strengths-based and proportionate, but MSP does not mean accepting unsafe situations. 
4. Act immediately where there is danger. If someone is at immediate risk, call 999. 
5. Report non-immediate concerns. Concerns can be reported to Cheshire Police via 101 or online, or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. 
6. Refer safeguarding concerns. If the adult has care and support needs, follow Warrington adult safeguarding reporting procedures. If there are concerns about child exploitation, refer immediately to Children’s Social Care and the police.
7. Work multi-agency. Cuckooing often requires a coordinated response involving safeguarding, police, housing, health, substance misuse, VCSE and other relevant partners. 

Key message

Cuckooing is exploitation and abuse. The person may appear to be allowing others into their home, but they may be frightened, coerced or unable to safely ask for help. Early recognition, professional curiosity, proportionate information sharing and a coordinated multi-agency response can help reduce risk and prevent serious harm.