Case Study: Dave
Case Study: Dave
Dave lives in a one-bedroom flat in a deprived neighbourhood and has a history of homelessness and drug use.
Dave is a victim of county lines cuckooing.
County lines operatives have taken over his property for the purpose of storing and trafficking drugs, have confiscated his door keys, and try to prevent others from entering. Dave is sleeping on a mattress in his kitchen as his bedroom is being used as a place to store, prepare and sell drugs. He is being abused, both emotionally and physically.
Did you spot all the signs of county lines cuckooing in Dave’s case?
Outside the property:
● Social housing, deprived neighbourhood
● Attempts by an unknown person to prevent access to the property
Inside the property:
● Drugs paraphernalia
● Piles of takeaway boxes and food litter
● Presence of unfamiliar items that do not belong to the resident
● ‘Friends’ acting in an abusive manner towards Dave
● Dave has visible injuries
● Dave presents as dazed, frightened and hopeless
● Dave expresses a connection to the homeless community
● Dave is sleeping on a mattress in the living area, suggesting his bedroom is not accessible
● Door keys are missing, suggesting others have control over access to the property