Figures collected from local authorities across London have revealed a 300% increase in the number of ‘cuckooing’ cases across the capital.
Compiled by London Labour, the data from councils has revealed that in 2022 there were 316 cases of ‘cuckooing’, the practice of taking over the home of a vulnerable person as part of a drug dealing operation. This is up from 79 in 2018.
The Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) figure for 2022 was 160.
The figures were cited in a report released yesterday by London Assembly Labour’s Police and Crime spokesperson, Unmesh Desai AM.
The report called for better recording of cuckooing cases and a public awareness campaign.
Mr Desai AM said: ‘Cuckooing is a terrible crime which harms some of the most vulnerable in our society. Having your home taken over by criminals is traumatic and the anti-social behaviour carried out at the property creates chaos for neighbouring households.
‘This report shows recorded cases of cuckooing are on the rise. But we still do not know the true scale of the problem with some councils not yet recording data. Too often cuckooing is hidden in plain sight and without knowing the true picture, we cannot put the most effective plans in place to tackle this crime and support victims.
‘That’s why I’m calling for a public awareness campaign so people can spot the signs.
‘I found some councils are already working closely with the police – so it can be done – but we need a more consistent approach so all victims of cuckooing receive the help they need regardless of where they live. We need better guidance from the government to make this happen.’
