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Inside ‘Cuckooing’: How gangs take over vulnerable people’s homes

Published 9 June 2026 · europe

Hundreds, if not thousands, of people's homes are being taken over by criminals every week in the UK, usually to store and deal drugs, police

Hundreds, if not thousands, of people's homes are being taken over by criminals every week in the UK, usually to store and deal drugs, police chiefs have told the BBC.

Perpetrators of so-called cuckooing often target vulnerable people, including the elderly or disabled, by forcing themselves into homes to carry out illegal acts. In some cases drug users are exploited by gangs who move in and refuse to leave.

Cuckooing is not yet a specific criminal offence so there is limited data on how widespread it is. If you are affected by any of

the issues in this story, information and support is available at BBC Action Line (For the latest news download the BBC News app or visit BBC.com/news

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