William Eichler 19 May 2023

Alarming figures reveal 300% increase in ‘cuckooing’

Alarming figures reveal 300% increase in ‘cuckooing’ image
Image: Nomad_Soul / Shutterstock.com

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.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Director of Law & Governance

South Kesteven District Council
c. £110k inc.
Effective decision-making in local government leads to better outcomes for communities. Lincolnshire
Recuriter: South Kesteven District Council

Regeneration Manager

West Northamptonshire Council
£65,098 - £71,353
The Major Projects and Regeneration Team, part of our Place, Economy and Environment directorate, is at the heart of delivering this vision. Working with government, private sector partners and our local communities, we are driving forward projects funded One Angel Square 4 Angel Street Northampton
Recuriter: West Northamptonshire Council

Director of Streetscene

Fareham Borough Council
£92,027 - £105,394 (Director Grade) Pay award pending
We continue to have big ambitions for our borough Fareham, Hampshire
Recuriter: Fareham Borough Council

Shared Lives Social Worker

Oxfordshire County Council
£37,035 - £43,693
About the Role Your role will be working with Shared Lives Carers and people who use the service to ensure that there is a good outcome for everyone. Assessing people for their suitability to become carers, presenting assessment reports to the Shared Live Abingdon with some agile working/working from home
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Lawyer Employment

Durham County Council
£45,718 to £49,764 p.a. (Grade 13) pay award pending
An opportunity for an Employment Lawyer has become available to work at Durham County Council as part of the Legal and Democratic Services Team. Durh Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner