Help Protect Vulnerable People: Report Suspected ‘Cuckooing’
Tue, 2019-04-23
The Bermuda Police Service (BPS) has recently been made aware of a criminal enterprise occurring in Bermuda known as ‘cuckooing’, whereby offenders use violence and/or other unlawful means to target the homes of vulnerable people, utilising these properties for distributing illegal drugs, or to plan other serious crimes.
Members of the community most susceptible to ‘cuckooing’ are those suffering from drug/alcohol addiction, mental or physical health problems, our seniors, as well as those living in poverty with limited financial resources.
Some signs that 'cuckooing' may be occurring at a property include:
An increase in unfamiliar people entering and departing.
An increase in vehicles arriving and leaving, or parked outside.
An increase in anti-social behaviour.
An increase in litter outside the residence.
Signs of drug use and abuse.
It is common for offenders involved in this type of criminal behaviour to have access to several addresses, allowing them to move quickly between locations for both short periods of time or multiple days, which can reduce opportunities for them being detected by police.
If you suspect that ‘cuckooing’ is occurring within your neighbourhood, to someone you know, or have any information regarding this behaviour, please contact the BPS Vulnerable Persons Unit immediately at 247-1678 or the independent and anonymous Crime Stoppers hotline 800-8477.
