Arrests as victims safeguarded in 'cuckooing' probe

Five people have been arrested following two separate reports of "cuckooing" in Nottinghamshire.

Nottinghamshire Police said two vulnerable victims had been safeguarded in Sutton-in-Ashfield, and investigations were ongoing.

The force said one of the victims was reportedly forced to take drugs and sleep on the floor after a group of homeless people befriended him and moved into his home.

Cuckooing - named after cuckoos, who frequently take over other birds' nests to lay their own eggs - is expected to become a specific criminal offence by the end of the year, carrying a maximum five-year prison sentence.

A 36-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of holding a person in slavery or servitude and fraud by false representation, and has since been released on conditional bail.

A 38-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of burglary, human trafficking, fraud by false representation and theft, and is also on conditional bail.

Police said a separate cuckooing investigation was launched after officers attended a flat in Sutton-in-Ashfield on 19 May.

Concerns were raised that a group of men had "taken over" the property from the person living there.

Three men, 23, 26 and 32, were arrested on suspicion of drug and modern slavery offences and have been released on conditional bail.

Police said a quantity of cannabis was also seized at the address, adding the investigation remains ongoing.

It said safeguarding measures had been put in place for the victim.

PC Carly Smith said: "While these types of incidents are thankfully rare, unfortunately, we know that cuckooing does happen with criminals targeting vulnerable people in our community.

"We won't tolerate this disgusting exploitation and we continue to work hard with all our local partners to identify, support and safeguard victims of cuckooing.

"Cuckooing is hidden behind closed doors and victims can be reluctant to seek help because they often do not see themselves as victims or are under the control of violent offenders."

Smith urged anyone who may have information about the investigations to contact police.

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