In the news: Fresh start for vulnerable resident victimized by 'Cuckooing' gang
A vulnerable Basildon Council tenant has been safely rehoused after being exploited and abused in their own home, thanks to the collaborative efforts of the council's Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) officers and local police.
Intelligence gathered by the police alerted the ASB team to concerns about 'cuckooing' - a practice where criminals take over a vulnerable person's home to exploit them. Officers discovered that the tenant's property was being used by known drug users, with reports of them taking the tenant's front door keys and phone, leaving the individual with no money or food, and forcing them to sleep on the sofa while they took over the bedroom.
ASB officers, along with the Community Policing team, swiftly intervened to ensure the resident's safety. They arranged for temporary accommodation and began working on a more permanent solution. The resident is now living in a secure environment and is receiving the support needed to rebuild their life.
Councillor Melissa McGeorge, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, said: "This is another example of how our officers, in partnership with the police, go above and beyond to protect the most vulnerable in our community. Everyone deserves to feel safe in their own home, not held hostage and deprived of their basic freedoms.
"I'm incredibly grateful for the strong partnership between the Police and our ASB officers, which not only identified the danger but enabled a swift intervention, ensuring a positive outcome for the resident. Well done to everyone involved."
Residents experiencing anti-social behaviour in Basildon Borough are encouraged to report incidents via the council's website: Report Anti-Social Behaviour - Basildon.
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Published 6 March 2025
Contact Basildon Council's Press Office at pressoffice@basildon.gov.uk for further information.