New criminal offence of “cuckooing” (home takeover) now in law
A new criminal offence of cuckooing, also referred to as home takeover, is now in force following Royal Assent of the Crime and Policing Act on 29 April 2026.
This new standalone offence recognises home takeover as a serious form of exploitation, helping to ensure that people whose homes are taken over for criminal activity are treated as victims who need safeguarding, not as offenders.
What is home takeover?
Home takeover happens when someone takes control of another person’s home in order to carry out criminal activity, such as drug dealing or other organised crime. This often happens through grooming, coercion, intimidation or exploitation, rather than through genuine choice or consent.
The new offence applies where:
- A person exercises control over someone else’s home
- This is done to enable criminal activity
- The resident does not freely consent
The offence applies to both adults and children and carries a maximum sentence of up to five years’ imprisonment.
Why this change matters
Historically, home takeover has been difficult to prosecute and has too often resulted in:
- Victims being treated as criminals
- Threats of eviction or enforcement action
- People being left unsafe in their own homes
The new offence sends a clear message that home takeover is exploitation and abuse, and that people affected should be protected and supported.
Relevance for Newcastle
Home takeover is already recognised by Newcastle Safeguarding Adults Board as a form of criminal exploitation, with perpetrators often targeting adults with care and support needs. National learning shows that home takeover often develops gradually and can escalate quickly, leading to serious harm or violence if not identified early.
What this means for frontline practice
The new offence:
- Strengthens victim recognition, supporting trauma‑informed practice
- Gives police a bespoke offence to investigate
- Supports earlier intervention and disruption of perpetrators
- Reinforces the importance of early multi‑agency working
Common indicators such as unknown visitors, loss of control over parts of the home, fear or intimidation should be understood as possible signs of exploitation, not lifestyle choices.
Apparent consent does not always mean genuine consent. Practitioners are reminded to consider coercion, undue influence and risk of harm, and to avoid framing home takeover as an unwise choice.
Further information
Targeted and Trapped Animinations (playlist, including translated and young people versions)