Vulnerable man rehoused as his home was turned into a base for drug dealing

The Bedworth man had been cuckooed in his own home.

Officers from Bedworth Police Station have rescued a vulnerable man whose home had been taken over by criminal activity.

The man had been cuckooed in his own home.

Cuckooing occurs when someone takes over the home of a vulnerable person in order to establish a base for drug dealing, it is typically part of a county lines operation.

Officers rehoused the man and he is now safe and well.

Warwickshire Police said: "Information from members of the public is vital to helping us identify and help vulnerable victims of cuckooing."

Signs that cuckooing may be going on at a property include:

• An increase in people entering and leaving

• An increase in cars and bikes outside

• Possible increase in antisocial behaviour

• Increased litter outside

• Signs of drug use

• Lack of healthcare visitors

• Suspicious vehicles or people at an address

• A neighbour who has not been seen in a while or is more distant than usual

• Older members of the community unexpectedly driving around unknown people

Please report any concerns to Warwickshire Police at www.warwickshire.police.uk/report or by calling 101. Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.