On 29 April 2026, the Crime and Policing Act came into force and introduced a new offence specifically targeting the practice commonly referred to as “cuckooing.” The offence concerns situations where criminals exploit another person’s home by using it as a base for unlawful activity. This can include offences connected to drug operations, sexual exploitation, or the financial manipulation of vulnerable occupants.
The legislation makes it unlawful for an individual to dominate or occupy another person’s residence for the purpose of carrying out criminal conduct. Anyone convicted under the new provisions may receive a custodial sentence of up to five years, an unlimited fine, or both penalties together.
The Act further recognises that many victims are vulnerable and may not be in a position to give genuine agreement. As a result, any supposed consent is disregarded where the resident is a child, lacks mental capacity, or has been influenced through intimidation, deception, coercion, or abuse.
In addition, the offence has been brought within the scope of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 as a “criminal lifestyle” offence. This gives authorities wider powers to trace, seize, and recover assets connected to the criminal behaviour.
To strengthen protection for vulnerable victims, individuals affected by cuckooing are automatically entitled to special measures when giving evidence in court. These measures are intended to support victims who may previously have been viewed as participants in offences committed from within their own homes rather than as people subjected to exploitation.
Any information regarding Cuckooing should be reported to the police and can be done anonymously through Crimestoppers