Signs that a property has been taken over include:

• The victim not being seen by neighbours for a while
• An increase in the number of visitors to a property, with visits being brief in duration and occurring around the clock
• People remaining in the property while the victim is out
• Children and young people with no known connection to the victim seen entering the property
• Reports of an illegal sub-let
• Unfamiliar people driving the victim’s car
• An increase in litter outside of the property
• Graffiti
• Garden is overgrown
• External doors being propped open
• Curtains or blinds being closed during the day
• Damage to doors and windows
• Unknown people pressing buzzers to gain access to buildings
• Loud parties
• An increase in reports of anti-social behaviour

Upon entering a cuckooed property, the following may be observed:

• Drug-dealing or manufacturing equipment
• Piles of stolen goods
• Weapons
• Individuals with large amounts of cash, expensive items or multiple mobile phones
• Children and young people with no clear connection to the victim
• Bedding and clothing that does not belong to the victim
• Locks on internal doors (e.g. bedrooms)
• CCTV equipment
• Takeaway boxes or containers
• Damage to walls or doors