Cuckooing victim saved from suspected drug dealers in Trafford

A man believed to be a victim of cuckooing has been safeguarded following a swift response from officers in Trafford working with partner agencies.

On Wednesday 15 February, police were alerted to reports of numerous men, including teenagers, with drugs inside the vulnerable man’s home.

In less than an hour of receiving the information, police attended at the property. A 21-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possession of class A and class B drugs with intent to supply and possession of an offensive weapon.

The man, who tried to run from the police, was detained and the drugs and weapon recovered. He has since been released on conditional bail.

Detective Inspector Jennifer Reeve, of the Challenger Trafford Organised Crime Team, said: “This was a rapid, multi-agency response to protect a vulnerable man and act against the individuals who we believe have forced their way into his property.

“In less than an hour, officers had gathered and assessed the information, arrived at the property and arrested a man inside but most importantly safeguarded a vulnerable person.

“I want to take this opportunity to encourage anyone else in the community who may be in this situation, or believes someone to be a victim of it, to please report it either in person to someone you know and trust, to a police officer or by calling Crimestoppers anonymously. Be assured that this is the rapid and positive action we will take to protect a vulnerable person.”

Cuckooing is a term used to describe the actions of suspected county lines organised crime groups forcing their way into a vulnerable adult’s home to use it as a place to store drugs and money.

Here are signs to look out for:

• Not seeing the person who lives there, and a clear change in behaviour or routine
• Increase in visitors or cars to the vulnerable person’s property sometimes at unsociable hours
• Signs of drug use, such as strange smells coming from the property
• Windows covered or curtains closed all the time
• People hanging around the property, speaking on their phones

If you believe you are a victim of cuckooing, or know someone who could be, please report it either anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or by calling GMP on 101.

For more information search GMPCuckooing.