Unwanted individual removed from Amesbury address after 'cuckooing' report

Tuesday, 31 March 2026 09:21

Police in Amesbury have removed an individual from a property in Amesbury following reports from a member of the public.

Officers from Salisbury attended an address in Amesbury on the evening of Monday, 23rd March, following reports from a member of the public raising urgent welfare concerns for an adult male residing at the property.

A known male was located inside the address, having barricaded multiple items against the door.

Police said in a statement, "This individual was not registered on the housing association tenancy and had been coercing and cuckooing the vulnerable tenant, who had recently fled the property.

"It was established that he was not welcome at the address and, as a result, he was removed along with his belongings and instructed not to return, in line with the tenant’s wishes.

"The victim has since been fully safeguarded, the housing association notified, and local Neighbourhood Policing Team officers are carrying out regular welfare checks."

What is cuckooing?

Cuckooing is when criminals take over someone’s home to use it as a base for dealing drugs, storing weapons, or carrying out other illegal activities. Offenders often target vulnerable individuals, such as those with drug or alcohol dependencies, financial difficulties, mental health issues, or those who are elderly or disabled.

They may initially appear friendly, but this can quickly turn into intimidation, control, and exploitation. Over time, the victim may feel unable to remain in their own home.

Signs of cuckooing may include:

Changes in the individual

Change in mood
Withdrawal from family, friends or neighbours
Change in routine
Change in appearance (e.g. injuries, weight loss, lack of self-care).

Around the property

Lots of different visitors at all hours
Bikes or cars frequently arriving or parked nearby
Antisocial behaviour
Drug-related items such as syringes, foil or cling film.

If you have concerns about someone who may be vulnerable to exploitation or cuckooing, please report it to Wiltshire Police.

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