When we received reports of drugs allegedly being used in one of our properties, our Tenancy Services Officer, Rachel, was asked to investigate the matter. Several neighbours told her they felt intimated by the situation, which was generating ongoing antisocial behaviour-related complaints.
The background
Rachel visited the property and met the tenant, who had lost one of his legs due to historic drug use. Every time she visited the property, there were different men there, who refused to say who they were or why they were there.
Despite encountering different men at the property, Rachel continued to go round in response to the complaints that were being made. Thanks to her persistence and thorough approach, Rachel realised that the tenant was a victim of cuckooing.
What is cuckooing?
Cuckooing is where vulnerable individuals are targeted by fraudsters to use their home for criminal activity. Learn more about cuckooing here.
How we helped
Rachel continued to go round and see the tenant. During one visit, she asked the strangers to leave the property and warned them of the implications of abusing the tenant’s home, which included legal action and possible eviction.
Rachel worked closely with the relevant partner agencies, including the police. She also spoke to the tenant’s son, who had minimal contact with his dad, putting the all-important building blocks in place for them to develop a closer relationship. At the same time, she found alternative and safe accommodation for the tenant.
The outcome
Rachel’s determination and proactiveness meant the tenant was able to move to a wheelchair-adapted bungalow that was closer to his son.
Rachel arranged for a wheelchair access taxi to pick him up and take him to his new home. She also arranged for a new bed and some white goods to be delivered to the property to help the tenant with his fresh new start.
What initially started out as an antisocial behaviour matter, soon became a safeguarding issue, with Rachel going above and beyond to achieve the best possible outcome for the tenant and help keep him safe.
We're here for you
Please remember, we're here to support you to live happily in your home. If you’re concerned about anything, or are a victim of cuckooing, please call our Hub team on 0345 60 20 540.
For more about our commitment to safeguarding, you can read our policy below.
