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Police chiefs in the UK have revealed to the BBC that criminals are seizing hundreds, possibly thousands, of homes each week to facilitate drug storage and distribution. This disturbing trend, known as “cuckooing,” involves offenders moving into the residences of vulnerable individuals—often the elderly, disabled, or drug users—and using the properties for illegal activities. Those targeted may find themselves forcibly confined within their own homes by the gangs that take over.
Although cuckooing is not yet recognized as a specific criminal offence, data obtained by the BBC indicates that there were 1,539 reported incidents in London from May 2025 to April 2026, with the majority of victims being male. Kirsten Dent from the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) described chilling abuses suffered by victims, including being coerced into degrading acts and enduring blackmail through threats of exposing those acts publicly. She highlighted the covert nature of these crimes, saying, “It’s hidden and in people’s homes, it’s not always easy to detect.”
The government plans to criminalize cuckooing by the end of this year under the Crime and Policing Act 2026, which will allow for prison sentences of up to five years. However, police await statutory guidance before enforcing the new law. In the meantime, the Metropolitan Police have been visiting suspected cuckooed properties, uncovering alarming conditions such as squalor, filth, and signs of exploitation. Victims spoke about feeling trapped and frightened to involve the authorities, fearing violent repercussions.
One victim, Jamie, who suffers from brain damage, shared how a gang exploited his vulnerability, moving into his home and using it as a base for drug dealing without his consent. He described the gradual loss of possessions and respect, noting the difficulty he faced asserting himself against his tormentors. Another victim, Jackie, recounted being forced to accommodate a dealer as part of a drug debt agreement, effectively becoming a prisoner in her own residence for months. Since then, Jackie has
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