The problem has been highlighted in popular TV dramas such as Line of Duty (pictured) and Happy Valley. Photo: Steffan Hill
Cuckooing could become a new criminal offense in plans being discussed by the Home Office.
A total of 48 MPs backed a proposal that would make the act of occupying or taking control of someone else's home a crime associated criminal activity became illegal for the first time.
This practice, known as “cuckooing”, is most often practiced by county gangs who often occupy a vulnerable person's home to store or distribute drugs.
Issue highlighted in popular television series
The issue has been highlighted in popular television dramas such as Line of Duty and Happy Valley, but is not itself a criminal offence.
Sir Iain Duncan Smith proposed an amendment to the Criminal Justice Bill, which would make “cuckooing” punishable by up to seven years in prison.
The former Conservative leader met with Home Office officials to discuss the proposals, which are supported by 40 Conservative MPs, including Suella Braverman, the former home secretary affairs.
Police visited more than 1,200 'cuckoo' addresses in one week last month as part of national 'Country Line Boost Week'.
, in TV drama Happy Valley, which features a 'cuckooing' character; Photo: Matt Squire</p><p>Police and local authorities have tools, both civil and criminal, to stop cuckooing and perpetrators can be prosecuted for crimes they commit on property, such as drug offences.</p><p>< p>But proponents of the amendment, including Sir Robert Buckland, the former justice secretary, believe that using the property of a vulnerable person as the basis for such activity should itself be a criminal offence.</p><p>“Exploiting people with vulnerabilities.”</p><p>“I think 'cuckoo' is another example of how we can reflect the sad reality that there are many, many more people who have vulnerabilities that are being exploited by criminal gangs or more sophisticated operators who are taking advantage of these people in quality of people. shield to hide their criminal activities.</p><p>“So I think anything we can do to remove that last shield should be a good thing in terms of actually fighting crime where it is ”</p><p>He warned that cuckoo victims, who may include people with mental health problems, older people or people with learning disabilities, were now themselves at risk of facing criminal sanctions for criminal activity taking place in their home.< /p></p><p>He warned that current victims of cuckooing could include people with mental health problems, older people or people with learning disabilities. added: “I think it is important that we seek to use the full force of the criminal law to combat this type of exploitation.”</p><p>The proposed new law would mean that a person would commit an offense if they occupied or exercised control over another person's home in connection with a criminal offense.</p><p>“Police need more powers”</p><p>Means of exercising such control range from the threat of force or other coercive behavior, fraud, or providing payments or other benefits to obtain the victim's consent.< /p></p><p>Louise Gleich, Joint Modern Slavery Unit of the Center for Social Justice, Justice and Care said: “Police need more powers to pursue criminals who cause such destruction in the lives of vulnerable people.”</p><p>“Simply prosecute offenders for others crime does not take into account the harm caused to the victims. Civil regulations are insufficient to adequately curb this behavior and stop offenders simply moving on to other victims.</p><p>“A specific criminal offense is needed and we call on the Government to use the Criminal Justice Bill to update the law.”</p><p>The Home Office said: “Cuckooing will not be tolerated and police already have a range of powers to intervene and protect vulnerable people if they are exploited in this way, including possible prison sentences for the perpetrator.</p><p>“We will consider the amendment and engage with parliamentary colleagues as usual.”</p></div><div class=)
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