A toolkit has been issued by the University of Leeds to police, local authorities and third sector organisations across the UK to help them identify and support vulnerable people who are at risk of “cuckooing.”
Cuckooing a form of criminal exploitation where vulnerable people are coerced into providing access to their home to criminals, who then use it as a base for their activity.
Such activity may include sex work, storing cash and weapons, or dealing drugs. Perpetrators may also take over a property to financially abuse its occupier.
The following resources have been designed to improve awareness of cuckooing victimisation, encourage professional and public curiosity, and improve reporting and intervention.