Three Rivers tackles Cuckooing

Three Rivers District Council, Herts Constabulary, Thrive Homes and Herts Fire and Rescue Service are working collaboratively to raise awareness of cuckooing in various locations throughout the District.

Cuckooing is the term used to describe the actions of people who take over the homes of vulnerable people, often to use and deal drugs. Those who are socially isolated, have a physical disability, learning difficulty, have an addiction, have mental health needs or living in poverty might be vulnerable to cuckooing.

A key strategic priority for the Three Rivers Community Safety Partnership is “Serious Violence and Exploitation”. Part of the work around this project aims to raise awareness, prevent and tackle cuckooing when it does occur.

Cllr Roger Seabourne, Lead Member of Community Safety and Partnerships, said: “This is a priority for all agencies involved. We are working together to educate and protect the public who are vulnerable to cuckooing and the crimes that tend to surround this form of exploitation.”

The people taking over a home can be local or linked to urban gangs who travel to suburban areas to establish a base for drug dealing. As a result of these actions, those being “cuckooed” can suffer from abuse and exploitation.

On Wednesday 4 September 2019, the four agencies spoke to residents in flat blocks in South Oxhey. They talked about the signs to look out for that could indicate a neighbour has been cuckooed and where to report concerns.

The Three Rivers Community Safety Partnership encourages and will support those residents who report concerns about the exploitation of our residents. Any concerns should be reported to Police 101, Three Rivers District Council 01923 776611 or anonymously to CrimeStoppers 0800 555 111.

For more information on cuckooing and other forms of exploitation can be found on threerivers.gov.uk/gangs