A proactive new initiative, Operation Trespass, has been launched in Swindon to safeguard vulnerable individuals targeted by drug dealers in a practice known as ‘cuckooing’. This operation will involve regular checks and enforcement of closure orders, alongside educating the public on recognising and reporting the signs of cuckooing.
Cuckooing occurs when drug dealers prey on vulnerable individuals, offering free drugs or money for utilities in exchange for using their homes as a base for drug dealing. The victims are often lonely, isolated, and may struggle with addiction, learning difficulties, or physical disabilities. This allows criminals to operate out of sight from the police, turning these homes into hubs for illegal activity.
Operation Trespass aims to disrupt this criminal activity through frequent proactive checks and hot spot patrols. Thousands of leaflets will be distributed to victims, their neighbours, and community partners, raising awareness about the signs of cuckooing and how to report it.
Swindon Neighbourhoods Chief Inspector Carly Nesbitt commented, “A vital role of our neighbourhood teams across Swindon is looking out for and providing support for some of the most vulnerable members in our society. That’s why we have launched Operation Trespass, which aims to crack down on criminals who exploit vulnerable people by cuckooing them, while educating residents about the signs of cuckooing.
“We know that cuckooing is a common tactic as part of the county lines business model for the dealers to avoid police detection. Dealers will often have access to several cuckooed addresses at once, allowing them to move quickly between them. They will often use threats to control the victim.
“It has a devastating impact on victims, potentially escalating their addiction and causing declines in their mental and physical health. Communities also suffer due to the linked anti-social behaviour, increased rubbish, vandalism, and a general sense of insecurity. We would like to ask you, the public, to please look out for your neighbours. You may receive a leaflet informing you that a resident near you is vulnerable and potentially being cuckooed. We would ask you to please look out for anything strange or suspicious, and if you do then to please report it.”
If you suspect a property is being cuckooed, please report it on 101 or 999 in an emergency, mentioning ‘Operation Trespass’ and ‘Cuckooing’. Alternatively, you can call the anonymous Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555111.
How to Spot the Signs of Cuckooing:
- Unusual visitors or new individuals frequently entering the property.
- Increase in the number of comings and goings, especially at unusual times.
- New vehicles, hire cars, or bikes appearing outside the property.
- Damage to the door or the door being propped open.
- Significant changes in the physical health or emotional well-being of the tenant.
- Increase in rubbish, overflowing bins, or numerous takeaway food containers.
- Abandoned and broken bikes left outside the property or in communal areas.
Operation Trespass is a crucial step towards safeguarding vulnerable members of our community and ensuring that Swindon remains a safe place for everyone.
