Police warn that drug gangs are 'cuckooing' hundreds of homes a week

Hundreds, if not thousands, of people's homes are being taken over by criminals every week in the UK, usually to store and deal drugs, police chiefs have told the BBC.

What’s cuckooing?

Cuckooing, named after the cuckoo's practice of taking over other birds' nests for its young, is where drug dealers prey on vulnerable people by forcibly taking over their homes, often then using them as a base for drug dealing, without the residents' permission.
 
Victims of ‘cuckooing’ are often drug users, but can include older people, those suffering from mental or physical health problems, female sex workers, single parents and those living in poverty. Victims may suffer from other forms of addiction, such as alcoholism.
 
Some people may be forced to leave their homes, making themselves homeless and leaving the gangs free to sell drugs in their absence.

Read the BBC's story about the prevalence of cuckooing

If you have any information about this crime, you can tell us at Crimestoppers what you know and remain 100% anonymous - guaranteed. Call free, any time, on 0800 555 111 or fill in our secure and safe online form, here on our website:

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What are the signs of cuckooing?

Signs that cuckooing may be going on at a property include:

• An increase in people entering and leaving.
• An increase in cars or bikes outside.
• Possible increase in anti-social behaviour.
• Increasing litter outside.
• Signs of drugs use.
• Lack of healthcare visitors.
• Suspicious vehicles or people at an address.
• A neighbour has not been seen for a while. Or they are more distant than usual (with more visitors).
• Unusual activity at short term or holiday lets.
• Older member of the community unexpectedly driving around unknown individuals.

What sort of information is useful?

Apart from information involving spotting some or all of the signs mentioned above, we'd also like to know if you have details such as:

• Who is the potential victim? A name and address is always useful, but a physical description will also help.
• Who are the perpetrators? Do you have names and addresses? Can you describe what they look like?
• Can you give us information about a vehicle or vehicles involved? Make, model, colour, registration number?

If you suspect cuckooing is going on:

• Can you tell us where it's happening?
• Can you see a pattern of days/times these people visit the property?

You can speak to staff at our Contact Centre on 0800 555 111 or use our non-traceable online form here on our website. You will remain 100% anonymous. Always. We will never ask for your name, and your phone call or online report will never be traced.

9 June 2026