University hosts conference to discuss tackling 'hidden crime' of Cuckooing
The University of Huddersfield recently welcomed 200 practitioners from law enforcement, the criminal justice system, local government and the NHS for a lively day of discussion and knowledge exchange in relation to best practise around how to deal with and manage Cuckooing.
A form of exploitation in which criminals move themselves or associates into the address of a victim, Cuckooing sees vulnerable individuals exploited and put in harm’s way around organised crime and drug trafficking but is not classified as a crime in law.
Among those attending was Alison Lowe OBE, Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime in West Yorkshire, (pictured with Professor Jane Owen-Lynch, Pro Vice-Chancellor) as well as representatives from Kirklees Council, Safer Kirklees and police forces across the North West of England and North Wales.
The event was led by Dr John Synnott, Director of the Police Doctoral Program (PDP) at the University and PhD Candidate Ruth Lewin from the Northwest Regional Organised Crime Unit.
Dr John Synnott
Director, Police Doctoral Program
“The PDP offers a first of its kind home to senior serving police officers and staff to study doctoral level research. Within this program we support the candidates to promote their research through knowledge exchange events such as this Cuckooing event, led by Ruth who is developing important research into the nature and scale of Cuckooing nationally.”
The event was supported by the National County Lines Coordination Centre, Kirklees Council and West Yorkshire Police.
Cuckooing - a complex issue with the vulnerable open to exploitation
DI Adam Norton, North West Coordinator of the National County Lines Coordination Centre , said, “Stakeholder events such as this are crucially important. Cuckooing is a complex area of vulnerability and exploitation. The University of Huddersfield's event provided a valuable platform for sharing good practice, and highlighting the importance of an evidence-based safeguarding response. This collaboration of experienced practitioners, subject matter experts and experienced academics is an excellent template for driving progress in this area.”
DI Anne Rannard, National Police Chief Councils, Protect Lead, said, "Cuckooing is a complex issue. We know it can impact anyone, but it particularly impacts those who are vulnerable. It’s critical that all agencies improve policy and practice so that their workforce – those individuals likely to come into contact with incidents of cuckooing, know how to spot the signs, how to report their concerns and understand what different agencies can offer in response. This means that we can safeguard victims and take action against offenders.”
DI Suzanne Gall, County Lines Coordinator – Yorkshire and The Humber, added that, “This was a fantastic event for academics, policing and partners to consider and understand how we can work together to combat county lines and cuckooing. It was an effective opportunity to network and share practice with those who will use the knowledge to improve their joint response to cuckooing in their communities.”
Detective Sergeant Deborah Montgomery of the Kirklees Adult Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub at West Yorkshire Police said: “Cuckooing is an increasingly prevalent and dangerous issue, where criminals exploit vulnerable individuals by taking over their homes. It is crucial to make partner agencies aware of this practice to ensure that those at risk are identified and protected early on.”
Cllr Amanda Pinnock, Cabinet Member for Education and Communities said: “This conference was an excellent opportunity for partners to share knowledge and skills, and work closely together to eradicate Cuckooing and to protect our local communities from this hidden crime.”