Calls to make 'cuckooing' a crime as cases increase

Catalyst Support says there has been a rise in cuckooing across the county

A Surrey-based charity says "cuckooing" is on the rise and is calling on the new government to make it a criminal offence.

Cuckooing is the term used when someone's house is taken over for criminal activity, including dealing drugs or carrying out sex work.

The Catalyst Support charity, in Guildford, said there has been a rise in cuckooing across the county.

The Home Office said: “Cuckooing is unacceptable, and we are committed to providing the police with powers to protect vulnerable people if they are being exploited in this way."

Catalyst said it has had "over 500 referrals" to its outreach team since 2019.

The charity believes there are many more cases which are not being identified.

Reported

Karen Jones, who is the designated service manager for Catalyst, said: "Our clients age range from 18 to 93.

"We've been to council flats and gated properties.

"It can be criminal gang related, but sometimes it can even happen within a family."

She said cuckooing was in the process of being made illegal, but that was abandoned due to the General Election.

The Home Office added: “We will consider the measures dropped in last session’s Criminal Justice Bill on a case-by-case basis, which includes cuckooing, and will set out our position in due course.”

Cuckooing can be reported to Crimestoppers or by calling 999, or by contacting Catalyst Support.