Cuckooing

In Greater Manchester we recognise that the criminal exploitation of children and vulnerable adults is not only in relation to drugs but can include other forms of criminal activity, such as arson, violent offences, storing firearms and holding money, amongst other forms of criminality. We also know that young people and vulnerable adults are not always moved to towns outside of Greater Manchester and that the exploitation can take place within our boundaries. The movement of a person for the purposes of exploitation is detailed in the Modern Slavery Act 2015 as a form of trafficking and slavery. 

Cuckooing is a form of criminal exploitation. The criminals are very selective about who they target as 'cuckoo' victims and are often entrepreneurial. Victims of 'cuckooing' are often drug users, but can include older people, those suffering from mental or physical health problems, female sex workers, single mums and those living in poverty. Victims may suffer from other forms of addiction, such as alcoholism and are often known to the police. Dealers often approach the victim offering free drugs to use their home for dealing. 

Once they gain control, gangs move in with the risk of domestic abuse, sexual exploitation and violence. Children are more commonly moved in as drug runners, manning the drugs line, though adults are also used. 

It is common for gangs to have access to several addresses. They move quickly between vulnerable people's homes for just a few hours, a couple of days or sometimes longer. This helps the gangs evade detection. By cuckooing, the criminals can operate from a discreet property, which is out of sight, making it attractive option. They can use the premises to deal and manufacture drugs in an environment under the police radar. 

Drug dealers/Organised drug gangs do not care about who they are exploiting, help keep your community safe, everyone has the right to feel safe in their own home.

Please see our Trapped video