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Investigation Shows Shocking Truth Behind Line Of Duty Term 'Cuckooing'

Investigation Shows Shocking Truth Behind Line Of Duty Term 'Cuckooing'

The investigation looked into a string of criminal 'cuckooing' cases uncovered across the UK

EMS 7

EMS 7

Anyone who's been tuning into the latest season of Line of Duty will have had their work cut out for them translating the cop jargon that pop ups throughout.

In season six's third episode of the complex BBC police drama, we were introduced to 'cuckooing' - and while it sounds rather pleasant, the real meaning is anything but.

The term is used by the AC-12 unit in their latest operation as they realise the process has been carried out on Terry Boyle (Tommy Jessop).

BBC

But just what does it mean?

Cuckooing is a police term that refers to a crime whereby drug dealers take over the property of a vulnerable person to use as their hub.

The vulnerable person - in this case, Terry - could be someone who's elderly, has learning difficulties, or suffers from drug or alcohol addiction.

Its namesake is inspired by the cuckoo bird's habit of taking over another's nest to house its young.

Unfortunately, cuckooing isn't fictional - in fact, an investigation launched by The Mirror shows a string of cases uncovered across the UK whereby criminals use the names and addresses of vulnerable people as a form of currency.

Darren Burton, head of housing consultancy services for Forbes Solicitors, a company that works with the police and other organisations to prevent cuckooing and aid victims, said: "You will find that prisoners are selling information for drugs on the inside about a vulnerable property in their area."

Speaking about the victims, he said: "We have seen examples where they are having their money and benefits taken, withholding food, threats of or actual physical violence, destroying their belongings and the properties."

A number of people who had suffered cuckooing bravely shared their stories with the publication, including Mark from Oxford, whose name has been changed to protect his safety.

Bermix Studio/Unsplash

After falling into drug abuse, he was initially tricked into thinking the dealers were his friends.

Mark said: "All I cared about at that time was drugs. When I went to score they would always say, 'Can we come to your flat?'

"It soon became apparent that if things didn't go their way what would happen. Sometimes there would be 14 lads in my flat.

"If any of their dealers got robbed they would come down with metal strips, hammers, knives, it was really intimidating.

"They didn't physically threaten me but I knew what would happen if I didn't do as they said."

PA

Thankfully, Mark was able to escape when a neighbour called the police with a noise complaint - officers soon realised that he was a victim rather than a perpetrator.

Mark's case worker, Monica Walton from Oxford Council, went on to explain that cuckooing doesn't always necessarily mean drugs.

She said: "There is a group of women that tend to go round and use older men for sexual pleasure to get money.

"I think the last time I went and did some visits it was connected to about 10 different addresses and these men are in their 80s.

"These people don't realise they are being cuckooed - and therefore their plight may go under the radar for years."

Now police and local agencies continue to work together to put a stop to this practice, with a whole host of arrests being made in recent years.

For those who are victims of the criminal practice, there is hope.

BBC

Mark said: "I did four months in rehab and then went to supported housing. I have been clean for two and half years, I've got a new flat and full time work.

"If anyone else is in my position please reach out to the police or the council. There is help out there and it has changed my life."

Featured Image Credit: BBC

Topics: Police, Investigation, crime, Line of Duty, UK, TV, Films & Movies