Cuckooing is when a person or group takes over someone’s home to use it as a base for crime. For example, drug dealing or organised crime.
The victims of cuckooing mostly live alone and can be:
- people living with addiction
- people with mental or physical health conditions
- people with learning disabilities
- people living in poverty
- sex workers
- older people
Spot the signs
At a property where cuckooing is happening you may notice:
- more noise and anti-social behaviour around it
- more cars and bikes outside
- more visitors at all times of the day and night
- more litter outside, including drug related items like needles, cling film, foil, small plastic baggies
- people bringing items of value, like TVs or bicycles, then leaving with nothing
If someone’s being cuckooed, you may notice:
- changes in their routine, or you haven’t seen them for a while
- changes in their appearance, like injuries or weight loss
- that they've been given gifts or money
- that they seem anxious, distracted or not their normal self
- regular support or healthcare workers not visiting or being allowed in
Keep a record of what you notice
It can help to have a record of your concerns when you report them. For example:
- what you’ve noticed
- when it’s happening, including dates and times
- descriptions of people and vehicles
Do not put yourself in any danger. Do not approach the people you think are cuckooing, and do not take photographs.
How to report cuckooing
If you’re worried that a property has been cuckooed, you can report it in different ways.
Report an emergency to the police
If someone’s life or safety is in danger right now, call 999.
If it’s not safe to speak
Call 999 then press 55. You’ll be transferred to the police. How to make a silent 999 call.
If you’re deaf, have hearing loss or are speech impaired
Dial 18000 if you use a textphone.
If you’re registered with the emergency SMS service you can text the police on 999.
Report it anonymously to Crimestoppers
Call: 0800 555 111
Report it to Crimestoppers online.
Report a non-emergency to the police
If it’s not an emergency, you should contact the police:
- call 101
- dial 18001 if you use a textphone
- tell the police online
- find and report it at your local police station
Report it to your landlord
If you’re a council tenant
Report it to the Tenancy team by phone or email.
Call: 020 8921 8609, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
Email: tenancy-enforcement teams@royalgreenwich.gov.uk
If you’re living in council temporary accommodation (TA), report cuckooing to your TA officer.
If you live in a housing association
Contact your housing association.
If you live in a private rented property or own your home
Contact our Safer Community team by email: pollution-regulation@royalgreenwich.gov.uk