Operation Trespass News Today : Breaking News, Live Updates & Top Stories | Vimarsana

Police are trying to raise awareness of cuckooing - Credit: Archant Vulnerable people in Essex are being targeted by County Lines drug gangs who take over their homes and use them as bases for drug dealing. Essex Police is launching Operation Trespass to help raise awareness in communities and help victims find help.   The tactic, known as cuckooing, sees the gang manipulate people to gain access to their properties; often specifically targeting those with drug and alcohol addictions, financial problems and learning difficulties. The groups have also been known to target vulnerable individ...

"The gangs would previously use Airbnb, guest houses or hotels to set up but now they’ve been forced to use individuals’ houses. “When we find dealers on the streets from London, they’ve generally all got somewhere they’ll go back to. Covid has made travelling on the train more risky for them, so they prefer to find a local base to operate from.” Spotting the signs that cuckooing is taking place is one way that the public can look out for their neighbours and help stop this criminal activity.   “Every case is slightly different, but we’d look for people who you wouldn’t exp...