Understanding and preventing ‘cuckoo’ victimisation

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The Wicked Problem of Cuckooing

Cuckooing is a highly exploitative and predatory practice named after the nest stealing practices of wild cuckoos. It is a form of criminal exploitation where people are conned, coerced, controlled, or intimidated into providing access to their home to criminals, who then use it as a base for their criminal 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.

Victims are typically vulnerable and primary targets are those who are dependent on drugs and alcohol, those with learning difficulties, and those with disabilities or mental health issues. Some victims may receive benefits for their cooperation such as drugs or money, yet are likely to be subjected to serious threats, coercion, physical and psychological violence, and intimidation once perpetrators have gained access to their property.

Cuckooing undoubtedly presents a ‘wicked’ problem for operational policing.

Yet, while political and professional concern about the proliferation of cuckooing has increased in recent years in the UK, academic research dedicated to exploring, understanding and scrutinising this phenomenon remains in its infancy.

N8 Policing Research Partnership Study

In seeking to plug gaps in knowledge, the three overarching aims of this study were to:

  • Investigate the mechanics of ‘cuckoo’ targeting (including risk factors, eg ACEs)
  • Gain an insight into the lived experience of ‘cuckoo’ victims and perpetrators
  • Identify potential preventative measures for practical application

The data collection phase of the study commenced with a comprehensive search for academic, grey, journalistic and practice-based literature that discusses ‘cuckooing’. Subsequent fieldwork involved interviewing experts, victims and perpetrators of cuckooing.

Outputs from the study included:

  • A summary report
  • A menu of tactical options for local delivery groups
  • Academic journal articles
  • International conference presentations
  • An edited collection titled: Understanding and Preventing ‘Cuckooing’ Victimisation: County Lines and Beyond. This book will be published by Routledge in early 2025.

Cuckooing Research & Prevention Network

Cuckooing Research & Prevention Network logo (red)

 

Cuckooing is a complex and evolving crime, and tackling it requires a multi-agency response that is designed to eliminate organised crime groups and target-harden potential victims. In seeking to facilitate the exchange of cuckooing knowledge and promising practice between stakeholders, the Cuckooing Research & Prevention Network has been established. Members span the academic, practitioner and policy-making spheres and the local, regional and national levels.

The Network is funded by Research England.

Join the Cuckooing Research & Prevention mailing list here.

Follow the Network on X - @end_cuckooing

Campaigning For Policy Change

Members of the Network are petitioning Parliament for the introduction of new legislation that would make cuckooing a specific criminal offence. We have had some recent success, with the Government inserting cuckooing clauses into the Criminal Justice Bill prior to the general election being called on 22nd May 2024. While we welcome this development, it is apparent that changes could be made to the clauses to their clarity and the safeguarding of vulnerable people in their homes.

Our full written response to the legislation can be accessed here.

A Positive Impact

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Conferences

Upcoming

The next Cuckooing Research & Prevention Network symposium will be held on 24 July 2024 at the University of Leeds.

Further information and tickets can be accessed here.

Preventing and Disrupting Cuckooing Victimisation Conference

30–31 January 2024, School of Law, University of Leeds

This two-day sold-out conference explored emerging and promising practice from across the UK that has been implemented to tackle cuckooing victimisation.

Read the conference programme

Read the conference summary report

Day 1

Christina Gabbitas, Children’s Book Author – Early Intervention

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Hayley Fox, Crime Intelligence Analyst, Lincolnshire Police – County Lines Cuckooing In Lincoln. A Risk Terrain Approach to Identifying Risk

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Anne Rannard, Protect Lead National County Lines Coordination Centre – Tackling Cuckooing

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Louise Crowder, Stockport Homes Group – Preventing Cuckooing and Exploitation

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Justine Adams, Sheffield Changing Futures Programme – Changing Futures: A Place-Based Programme's Approach to Cuckooing

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Amber Wilson and Jackie Blackburn, Basis Yorkshire – Supporting Female Victims of Cuckooing

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Gemma Gibbs, Crimestoppers – Crimestoppers: The Independent Charity Giving Everyone a Voice

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Jennie Cox, Senior Local Area Coordinator, York – Local Area Coordination: Working Together To Mitigate the Impact of County Lines on Communities, Through Trusted Relationships

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Day 2

Dr Laura Bainbridge and Dr Amy Loughery, University of Leeds – Understanding and Preventing Cuckooing Victimisation

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Andy Moore, MSB Solicitors  – Tackling Cuckooing in Social Housing

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Mark Ireland, Heather Ashby, James Allen, Mark Lund, and Adrian Tonge – Working Collaboratively to Tackle Cuckooing in West Yorkshire

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Understanding and Preventing Cuckooing Victimisation Symposium

3 May 2023, School of Law, University of Leeds

Bringing together academics, police professionals, criminal justice practitioners and voluntary sector representatives, this one-day sold-out symposium explored the latest thinking and research evidence around 'cuckooing' victimisation. A core objective of the symposium was to share knowledge and experience of how ‘cuckooing’ can be prevented, both in relation to target-hardening potential victims and identifying ‘cuckooing’ perpetrators.

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Dr Laura Bainbridge – Welcome

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Dr Jack Spicer – An Introduction to Cuckooing: Some Thoughts on Understandings and Responses

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Professor Simon Harding – Competition, Exploitation and Cuckooing in County Lines

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Dr Rosemary Broad – Communities of Practice in Multi-Agency Responses to Cuckooing

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Detective Superintendent Fiona Gaffney – Cuckooing: The Police Response

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