‘Cuckooing’ is when someone moves into the home of a vulnerable person in order to use it for themselves, sometimes for drug dealing or drinking.
They will purposefully choose someone they can scare, bully or control and may physically, sexually or financially abuse them.
Signs to look out for:
- A lot of different people visiting someone’s house
- People calling at all times of the day and night or different cars pulling up outside
- If the neighbour has not been seen for a while
- Signs of drug equipment or empty cans and bottles
- Increased litter outside or other anti-social behaviour
If you suspect a neighbour is being ‘cuckooed’ please report to Social Care Direct on
0131 200 2324
or the police on
101.