Crackdown on drug dealer 'cuckoos' protects tenants

Suspected drug dealers have been kicked out of two more council houses in Wokingham Borough in an ongoing bid to stop them exploiting vulnerable tenants and keep the community safe.

The council worked with Thames Valley Police and other agencies to secure partial closure orders on the properties in Winnersh and the Emmbrook area of Wokingham town.

The suspects are believed to have been "cuckooing", in which one or more people move into someone else's property and control the occupants through threats or even physical violence.

The orders only let specific people like council staff or the police enter while anyone else found inside can be prosecuted - and this will be regularly checked to stamp the problem out.

Acting swiftly when residents share concerns

The council’s community safety team visited the Winnersh property following reports from concerned members of the public and found evidence that suggested cuckooing was taking place.

They worked with police to keep an eye on the suspected victim, who is now being supported, and the partial closure was granted at Reading Magistrates’ Court shortly afterwards. This runs for three months from 8 June while the Emmbrook order, which was secured by the police after receiving similar information, runs from 5 May.

These cases follow an incident on Wokingham's Norreys estate earlier in the year, which also led to a successful application for a partial closure order.

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It's safe to tell us if something isn't right

Cllr Ian Shenton, executive member for environment, sport and leisure, said: “We share our residents’ shock and sadness that cuckooing happens here but, unfortunately, it's happening in many places and we're not immune.

"However, we're determined to target offenders and protect their victims as they’re often vulnerable themselves through addiction, mental illness or other things that aren’t their fault.

"As well as working with police to kick ‘cuckoos’ out, we work closely with those affected to help them come to terms with their ordeal and address any underlying problems.

"We know it’s daunting to report something like this, so we assure the community that we're taking this seriously. If you come to us we’ll listen, we’ll act and we’ll protect those who need it."

A way out, and a way forward, for victims

A council community safety officer added: “Victims often think these people are their friends, and may feel they’re ‘in too deep’ by the time they realise they’ve lost control of the situation. It’s often become unbearable so they’re thankful and relieved when we step in.

“We can act quickly once we know what’s going on and we’re incredibly grateful when people contact us because this is a crucial first step in turning things around. If you’re worried for yourself or a neighbour, please don’t hesitate to tell us.

“There are all kinds of signs, from unusual noise and people coming and going at odd times to strangers mistakenly knocking on your door looking to ‘buy something’. If anyone is dealing drugs in one of our properties, we’ll find out and work with the police to stop it.”

A long-term vision to keep our communities safe

Perpetrators may befriend victims at first, which makes it harder for them to leave later on, and may eventually control where they go, at what times and how they spend money.

It’s sometimes linked to “county lines” gangs who transport drugs out of big cities in search of a base to sell from in less built-up areas. The council has drawn up an action plan, in partnership with the police, identifying a small minority of people and properties that could be targeted.

In some cases of cuckooing, courts may grant a full closure order so nobody can go inside the property for a fixed period. The council may also take legal action against tenancies where there are reports of drugs or anti-social behaviour, though it will work to resolve this through support where possible.

Anyone who fears for their or someone else’s situation should call police on 101 or report it online - or dial 999 if they feel there is an immediate danger. To report issues with anti-social behaviour, contact the council's team or see its website for more.