Deeside police renew call for residents to help them combat ‘cuckooing’
Police in Deeside have renewed a call for residents to help them combat ‘cuckooing,’ as county lines drug gangs target vulnerable adults and children.
Cuckooing involves criminals taking over the home of a vulnerable person to use as a base for criminal activities such as drug dealing.
Victims of ‘cuckooing’ often include drug users, older people, those with mental or physical health problems and those living in poverty.
Initially, gang members may befriend the adult at risk, offering something of interest such as a relationship, friendship, drugs, alcohol, money, or clothing.
In exchange, they may ask to ‘borrow’ a room, store something, or meet other ‘friends’ at the property.
Gradually, the ‘benefits’ reduce, and more people come and go from the address.
The gang members may threaten the adult at risk verbally or physically if they try to stop the criminal activity and discourage family, friends, and support workers from visiting.
Criminals running County Lines often set up a base in rural areas or small towns, taking over the homes of vulnerable people, and using adults and children as runners for drugs.
Crimestoppers warns that urban drug gangs “do not care about the suffering or damage they inflict on people’s lives.
They recruit vulnerable adults and children to act as couriers to move drugs and cash to suburban or rural areas.
However, the community has the power to stop the drug gangs.
PC Fry from Flintshire Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “We are asking for your help. If you suspect a vulnerable neighbour may be suffering at the hands of criminal gangs, please help them and tell us.”
“Reports can be made anonymously via our webchat facility on the North Wales Police website, or via Crimestoppers on 0800555111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.”
“We can offer support and safeguarding for the victim, and we will robustly deal with those people who choose to make money by exploiting some of the most vulnerable people in our communities.”
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