20 May 2026
On 29 April, the Crime and Policing Act made cuckooing a criminal offence for the first time - a recognition of the devastating impact this practice has on vulnerable people. In BCP alone, local drug and alcohol charity WithYou supported 73 victims of cuckooing in the last year - more than one a week.
Cuckooing is a form of criminal exploitation where drug dealers or other perpetrators use coercion, intimidation and violence to take over the home of a vulnerable person. The 73 victims supported by the team were a mix of men and women, with ages ranging from their 20s to their 80s, with social housing residents among those most commonly affected.
Cuckooing is severely under-reported with victims often unaware what’s happening to them or afraid to come forward - with national data suggesting one in eight Brits have seen signs of it in their communities. WithYou in BCP is calling on people to watch out for signs of cuckooing, and to come forward if they’re worried for themselves or a loved one.
One victim, who wishes to remain anonymous, said, “My life was in danger and I was fleeing violence. The team was fantastic and helped me with everything they possibly could. They managed to help me source accommodation away from the area and I am now in a place of safety. I can now rebuild my life and concentrate on my recovery.”
When a professional notices signs of cuckooing - such as more people visiting a property, a sudden change in someone’s appearance or substance use, or reports of anti-social behaviour - they contact WithYou in BCP’s cuckooing team and the council’s adult safeguarding team. WithYou then works with local partners - the police, adult social services, housing, anti-social behaviour teams - to support the client.
Sam Chappell, leader of WithYou in BCP’s cuckooing team, said: “Managing the team has really highlighted to me the importance of a multi-agency approach that prioritises the victim’s voice and advocates for their safety, wellbeing and recovery. Each agency and professional has played an invaluable role in the cuckooing project in BCP and I feel proud that my team have been able to provide one-to-one support and achieve some really positive outcomes for victims of cuckooing.”
Karen Wood, strategic commissioning manager for BCP Council, said: “The team’s keenness to learn, visit other agencies running similar projects, work with commissioners on producing guidance, processes and pathways, and liaising with other professionals and agencies has been excellent.”
Kirsty Schafer, social worker and safeguarding adults practitioner, said: “The Cuckooing and Housing Support Team are a real godsend and I feel so much relief when I know I am working a case with them. Their proactive and assertive outreach approach makes all the difference and is often the missing piece towards securing engagement in our line of work.”
WithYou in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole provides free and confidential services, without judgement, to adults and young people facing challenges with drugs and alcohol, and their families and friends.
If you're worried that someone you know may be a victim of cuckooing, call 999 in an emergency or 101 for non-emergency reports to the police. For support with drugs or alcohol, contact WithYou in BCP on 01202 558 855, or speak to a trained recovery worker - not AI - via the website wearewithyou.org.uk.
