Teenager charged over alleged 'cuckooing' incident

A teenager has been charged with drug offences following the alleged 'cuckooing’ of a property.

Cuckooing is when drug dealers allegedly take over the home of a vulnerable person in order to use it as a base to deal drugs from.

Officers attended an address in Sneinton on Monday (21 August 2023) after concerns were raised a flat had been taken over and was being used as a drugs den.

A 17-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply a Class A drug and officers seized a large quantity of drugs along with deal bags, mobile phones, cash, and drugs paraphernalia.

The boy, who can’t be named for legal reasons, appeared at Nottingham Youth Court on Wednesday (23 August 2023) charged with two counts of possession with intent to supply a Class A drug, namely crack cocaine and heroin.

He was released on conditional bail and is next due to appear at Nottingham Magistrates' Court on 20 December 2023.

Criminals involved in ‘cuckooing’ often target people who are lonely, isolated, or may have other vulnerabilities. There are several signs to look out for that may indicate someone is a victim of cuckooing:

• Frequent visitors at unsociable hours
• Changes in your neighbour’s daily routine
• Unusual smells coming from a property
• Suspicious or unfamiliar vehicles outside an address

Anyone who has concerns about someone they know who might be a victim of ‘cuckooing’, or who has seen suspicious activity taking place at a property, is urged to call Nottinghamshire Police on 101. In an emergency call 999.