Residents in Edinburgh are being warned to look out for “cuckooing” – a tactic where drug dealers move operations into the home of a vulnerable person.
The council and police have issued warnings about the practice which involves organised criminals picking on someone they know they can scare, bully and control easily.
It has been known for gangs to use coercive control and physical, sexual or financial abuse against a vulnerable person in order to use their home for criminal activity.
Signs to watch out for have been issued by Edinburgh City Council and include lots of different people visiting someone’s house especially people calling all times of the day and night with different cars pulling up outside.
Other alarm bells can ring if the neighbour has not been seen for a while, increases anti-social behaviour at the address or signs of drug equipment or empty cans and bottles.
The crime of “cuckooing” is named after the cuckoo bird which is known to take over other birds' nests for its young.
A Police Scotland statement said: “We’re asking residents to look out for signs of ‘cuckooing’ – when drug dealers targeting vulnerable people by taking over their homes to store or deal drugs.
“If you see anything suspicious, report it so we can investigate and take action.”
If you suspect a neighbour is being ‘cuckooed’ please report to Social Care Direct on 0131 200 2324 or the police on 101.
