Two vulnerable Barking and Dagenham residents have been protected from cuckooing after the council's Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) team and Metropolitan Police secured partial closure orders and took swift action against those exploiting them.

Cuckooing is a form of criminal exploitation where offenders take over the home of a vulnerable person and use it for criminal activity, often involving drugs, anti-social behaviour, intimidation and violence.

In one case, a resident became the victim of cuckooing after known drug users took control of his property and began using and preparing drugs inside the home. Despite repeatedly asking them to leave, the resident was unable to regain control of the property and eventually admitted himself to hospital because he felt safer there than in his own home.

Following a joint visit by the council's ASB team and Adult Social Care, the case was referred to the borough's Cuckooing Panel. The resident was subsequently offered alternative accommodation at a sheltered housing scheme and now receives ongoing wraparound support. 

In a second case in Harris Road, a vulnerable tenant became the victim of cuckooing after family members and their associates forced their way into the property and refused to leave. The resident was subjected to serious anti-social behaviour and threats of violence when attempts were made to remove those involved.

Council officers escalated the case and, within days alongside the police, a partial closure order was secured. The perpetrators were removed from the property and have not returned.

Councillor Syed Ghani, Cabinet Member for Enforcement and Community Safety, said: " We will not tolerate those who seek to exploit vulnerable residents for criminal activity and will continue to use the powers available to us to protect our communities and hold offenders to account."

“These cases demonstrate the importance of partnership working between the council, police and safeguarding services to identify victims, take swift enforcement action and provide the support people need."