Five arrested and victims safeguarded after cuckooing reports

Five suspects have been arrested and two vulnerable victims have been safeguarded after neighbourhood officers responded to separate reported cases of cuckooing – one of the most serious forms of antisocial behaviour (ASB). Cuckooing, named after cuckoos which invade the nests of other birds, is commonly used by criminals to take over a person’s home to store, supply, and produce drugs, or facilitate other criminality.

Cuckooing can happen to anyone; however, criminals often target the most vulnerable, including those who experience substance misuse, have a physical or learning disability, have a mental health condition, are elderly, or are struggling financially. Offenders use deceit, force, or coercive tactics to manipulate victims and establish a position of trust.

They may offer money, friendship, drugs, alcohol, clothing, a relationship, or pay for food and utilities to quickly build a rapport. In exchange, they may ask to ‘borrow’ a room to store something or meet ‘friends’ at the property.

Gradually, any perceived ‘benefits’ will reduce and the offender may threaten the victim with violence if they try to end their criminal behaviour. Investigations are ongoing into two separate reports of cuckooing in Sutton-in-Ashfield.

One of the highly-vulnerable victims told officers that he had been befriended by some homeless people who he had initially given small amounts of money to but who then persuaded him to give them more cash. From there he was exploited further.

This included being persuaded into handing over his bank card, with money being taken out of his account. Matters then progressed, with the suspects moving into his home.

The victim was reportedly forced to take drugs and sleep on the floor, attempts were made to get him to be a 'drug runner' and he was also exposed to violent incidents. His television and mobile phone were stolen after he had been coerced into moving into another property.

The victim told police he felt he had no freedom to do his own things, felt like he was being kept away from people and wasn’t allowed to talk to anyone unless the suspects gave him permission. Detailed inquiries have since been carried out which has led to two suspects - a 36-year-old man and a 38-year-old woman - being arrested in connection with the investigation.

The 36-year-old man was located and detained in Sutton town centre on Wednesday 30 June. He was arrested on suspicion of holding a person in slavery or servitude and fraud by false representation.

He has since been released on conditional bail. The 38-year-old woman is also currently on conditional bail following her arrest in April on suspicion of burglary, human trafficking, fraud by false representation and theft.

Officers have made a number of referrals to safeguard the victim who has said he is now much happier after moving into new accommodation. Our officers have kept in close contact with him throughout their investigation.

A separate cuckooing investigation was launched after officers attended a flat in Sutton-in-Ashfield on 19 May after concerns were raised that a group of men had 'taken over' the property from the person living there. Three men, aged 32, 26, and 23, were arrested and interviewed on suspicion of drug and modern slavery offences.

They were subsequently released on conditional bail. A quantity of cannabis was also seized at the address.

The police investigation remains ongoing. Safeguarding measures undertaken have included changing the locks at the victim's address, welfare checks and referrals to the Slavery Exploitation Team and Slavery Exploitation Risk Assessment Conference which offer support to victims using a multi-agency approach.

Work is also ongoing to ensure they receive all the necessary support. PC Carly Smith, of the Sutton-in-Ashfield neighbourhood policing team, said: “While these types of incidents are thankfully rare, unfortunately, we know that cuckooing does happen with criminals targeting vulnerable people in our community.

“We won't tolerate this disgusting exploitation and we continue to work hard with all our local partners to identify, support and safeguard victims of cuckooing. "We will continue to do everything in our power to prosecute and bring to justice those offenders who are blighting our communities." She added: "Cuckooing is hidden behind closed doors and victims can be reluctant to seek help because they often do not see themselves as victims or are under the control of violent offenders.

“Educating the public on the signs of cuckooing to be aware of is an effective way to protect the vulnerable and tackle crime in our communities. “Once members of the public learn the signs, it may be obvious to them that a neighbouring address in their community is being cuckooed that could otherwise be difficult for the police and partner agencies to identify.

“If you see something that doesn’t look or feel right, or you have information that may assist our investigations, please do come forward to help make your neighbourhood safer.” If you are concerned about drug-related crime in your area or you think someone you know may be a victim of exploitation and cuckooing, please call Nottinghamshire Police on 101. In an emergency, always dial 999.

Alternatively, information can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers via their website or call 0800 555 111. If you are not able to talk when you need urgent police help, the Silent Solution service is available.

After dialling, listen to the questions from the call handler and respond by coughing or tapping your device, if you can. If prompted, press 55 to let the call handler know it is a genuine emergency and you will be connected to the police.

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