Of cuckooing?
runners is that the OCG will target someone vulnerable, usually a youngster who is looking for something to do on the street.
“They might offer them drugs – starting with cannabis – seemingly at no cost – but will then say they owe them for it. Or they shower the youngster with praise to build their self-esteem and give them gifts so they feel a sense of loyalty and brotherhood.
“That’s when they’ll send them out to deal drugs from someone else’s property.
“They’ll come down for two or three days with enough drugs to last and will then leave.”
The occupant of the property will be offered discounted drugs or a few free ‘hits’ as payment for being able to stay there.
Since November 2020, there have been 31 recorded cases of cuckooing in the Dyfed-powys Police area – although it is believed the true number is likely to be higher as there is known to be an element of under-reporting the offence among police forces across the UK.
Teams also face the difficulty of cuckooing victims not seeing themselves as having been taken advantage of as they will have gained from housing a drugs runner in some way.
DCI Cotterell said: “It’s not very well covered up when you arrive at a cuckooed property. Generally, they prey on vulnerable people with a drug addiction, and they’ll be living in poor conditions.
“You don’t have to look too far to know that the property is being used for the use and supply of drugs.
“However, the occupant will not usually see themselves as a victim of crime or will be reluctant to report it for fear of losing access to their drugs supply, facing eviction or the threat of violence from speaking out.
“This is why we want to highlight this crime, to educate communities and professionals to know how to spot the signs of cuckooing so we can intervene at the earliest opportunity.”