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A new toolkit has been issued to police, local authorities and third sector organizations across the UK to help them identify and support vulnerable people who are at risk of "cuckooing."

Researchers at the University of Leeds designed the toolkit in collaboration with partners from West Yorkshire Police, Leeds City Council, Horton Housing and homelessness charity Groundswell to raise awareness of how cuckooing can be prevented and disrupted.

Cuckooing is named after the nest stealing practices of wild cuckoos. It is a form of criminal exploitation where vulnerable people are coerced into providing access to their home to criminals, who then use it as a base for their activity. Such activity may include sex work, storing cash and weapons, or dealing drugs. Perpetrators may also take over a property to financially abuse its occupier.

The disturbing practice has featured as a plot line in television dramas—"Happy Valley," "Line of Duty," and most recently "Sherwood."

Dr. Laura Bainbridge and Dr. Amy Loughery of the University's School of Law led the creation of the toolkit following research into how cuckooing occurs and possible prevention strategies. It includes an information booklet, risk assessment tool, safeguarding information, leaflets, posters and an animation.

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