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Gangs exploit vulnerable residents in UK homes
Criminals are increasingly taking over homes across the UK to store and sell drugs, often targeting elderly or disabled individuals, police chiefs have warned. The practice, known as cuckooing, leaves victims trapped in their own properties under threats and violence.
Scale of the problem
While cuckooing is not yet a standalone criminal offence, exclusive data shared with the BBC reveals 1,539 incidents were reported to London's Metropolitan Police between May 2025 and April 2026. Of those, 1,275 victims were male. Police suspect hundreds, if not thousands, of properties are being exploited nationwide each week.
The National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) described the abuse as "horrific," with victims forced to endure degrading acts, including eating dog excrement or performing sexual acts under threat of blackmail.
"It's hidden in people's homes, so it's not always easy to detect,"
Kirsten Dent, NPCC
How gangs operate
Cuckooing-named after the cuckoo bird's habit of hijacking other birds' nests-typically involves gangs befriending vulnerable individuals before moving in uninvited. Victims often fear retaliation if they report the abuse, leaving them isolated and powerless.
Jamie, 34, who sustained brain damage after a violent assault, told the BBC how a gang exploited his condition. "People went from being nice to taking whatever they wanted," he said. "They robbed my clothes, stole valuables, and even slapped me. I couldn't fight back."
Another victim, Jackie, a former drug user, was forced to shelter a dealer in her home after racking up a debt. "I became a prisoner in my own home," she said. "I had to stay in one room while they controlled the rest of the house."
Police response and legal changes
In early March, police visited 683 suspected cuckooed properties in London as part of a crackdown on "county lines" drug operations. Officers found squalid conditions, including rotting food, bloodstained bedding, and clogged toilets.
Inspector Andrew Cameron of the Met noted a pattern: white men aged 40-49 with drug dependencies were most at risk, and many victims were targeted repeatedly. "Once exploited, they often remain vulnerable even after moving," he said.
Freedom of Information requests show cuckooing investigations in London rose from 380 in 2023/24 to 1,078 in 2025/26. Police attribute the increase to greater awareness and gangs adopting cuckooing as a business model.
Until the Crime and Policing Act 2026 makes cuckooing a specific offence-punishable by up to five years in prison-police rely on drug possession or slavery charges. Closure orders, which bar named individuals from properties, are also being used more frequently.
Criticism and calls for action
Some victims remain skeptical of police efforts. One anonymous victim told the BBC, "I have no faith in the police. They're useless."
Dr. Amy Loughery, a University of Leeds researcher, argued that police often fail to recognize exploitation. "Victims with prior police contact aren't always seen as victims," she said, urging better training and policies.
A Home Office spokesperson condemned the abuse as "appalling" and pledged £34 million to combat county lines drug gangs. However, campaigners say more support is needed for vulnerable individuals.
Jackie, now drug-free, works with support groups to raise awareness. "Cuckooing isn't just about drugs," she said. "It can happen to anyone-partners, family members-exploited for money, stolen goods, or anything criminals can profit from."
