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.
What should you do if you have information about possible County Lines and/or cuckooing?
In an emergency, or if a crime is happening now, always call the police on 999.
If you have any information about somebody who has recently moved to set up an illegal drugs network and who may be using violence or abuse to carry out their activities, please let us know.
You can speak to Crime Stoppers
Contact Centre on 0800 555 111 or use the non-traceable online form here on their website. You will remain 100% anonymous. You will never be asked for your name, and your phone number and the online report will never be traced.
Signs to look out for if you think you are living within or near a property used to deal drugs; or if you are concerned about your property as a landlord or property manager include:
Victim Support is an independent charity in England and Wales that provides specialist practical and emotional support to victims and witnesses of crime.
#LookCloser is a partnership campaign between The Children’s Society, the National County Lines Co-ordination Centre and the British Transport Police, encouraging everyone to learn the signs of child exploitation and how to report it if worried, including here on our anonymous online form. The campaign also seeks to highlight that child exploitation can happen anywhere, and any young person can be a victim. Find out more at the campaign webpage.
Devon & Cornwall Police – Easy Read Information about Cuckooing
For more advice on drugs, their effects and the law, talk to Frank.
The Home Office also provides guidance for frontline professionals on dealing with County Lines, as a part of the government’s approach to ending gang violence and exploitation.
Click here to see details of their advice.
