Two arrested over drugs found after ‘cuckooing’ at home of vulnerable man

Two men have been arrested after the home of an elderly man was taken over by drug dealers.

Police are now working to tackle the issue of cuckooing, where drug dealers take over the home of a vulnerable person and use it as a base.

They’ve asked for the community’s help following the recent incident in Twerton, Bath.

A spokesman for Avon and Somerset Constabulary said: “A vulnerable elderly man phoned officers to report that he had felt forced to leave his own home after letting in two men who were refusing to go.

“The man, who has learning difficulties, called officers on Wednesday morning (July 4) and explained that he had only felt able to leave the address once the men were asleep.”

Within an hour neighbourhood and response officers had arrested two men at the address and seized a quantity of suspected heroin and crack cocaine.

The men were later released under investigation pending further enquiries, including analysis of the substances.

The spokesman said: “We’ve put measures in place to ensure the vulnerable man’s safety.”

In cuckooing offenders often target the homes of people whose background means they’re less likely to contact the police.

Addressing the community, neighbourhood sergeant Adam O’loughlin said: “We’d like to hear from you if you’re concerned about a vulnerable person.

“You may have noticed strangers coming and going from their home at all hours, or unfamiliar vehicles or bicycles at the address.

“You might find their routine has changed: that you don’t see them or that they’re spending an unusual amount of time away from home. They may talk about people you’ve never heard of before.

“If you’re uneasy about someone please get in touch with us online, or by calling 101.”