Police rescue ‘vulnerable male’ following fears drug-dealing gang took over his home

"Cuckooing” is where dealers take over other people’s properties by force to ply their illicit trade.

A Cleveland Police statement on December 11 read: “Following a joint investigation with Stockton Neighbourhood Officers and Thirteen, a vulnerable male who was being reportedly cuckooed by potential drug dealers has been brought to safety.

“Cuckooing is a form of crime in which drug dealers take over the home of a vulnerable person in order to use it as a base for drugs activity.

“Colleagues from Thirteen requested officer’s assistance and yesterday, Thursday, December 10, they attended a property in Billingham after they suspected the vulnerable male was a victim of this crime.

“Whilst officers were at the property a man aged 40 who was reportedly wanted for theft offences was arrested and later released with no further action.”

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