Introduction

Criminals running County Lines will set up a base in a rural area or small town for a short time, taking over the home of a vulnerable person, ‘cuckooing’ them (named after the cuckoo’s practice of taking over other birds’ nests for its young).

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.

Ideas for you

In an emergency, or if a crime is happening now, always call the police on 999.

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:

• usually takes place in a multi-occupancy or social housing property
• increase in the number of coming and goings /people entering and leaving
• increase in cars or bikes outside
• offenders will often have new vehicles outside the property
• frequently use taxis or hire cars
• possible increase in anti-social activity in and around the property
• increase in litter outside
• disengagement with support services
• lack of healthcare visitors
• professionals visiting may be aware of new unidentified persons in the property
• the property may become to appear almost sparse of valuable possessions inside and go into a state of disrepair

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.

Things that might help

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.

Other services and support

Devon & Cornwall Police – Easy Read Information about Cuckooing is available here

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 further details of their advice