One of London's wealthiest boroughs has emerged as a hotspot for a form of exploitation where criminals take over the homes of vulnerable people. Data from the Metropolitan Police, obtained by the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), reveals that Camden has the highest number of recorded 'cuckooing' incidents in the capital.
What is Cuckooing?
Cuckooing is a tactic often used by county lines drug networks. Criminals target vulnerable individuals, befriend them, and then take over their homes to use as bases for drug dealing, storing weapons, or other illegal activities. The practice is notoriously hard to detect, as victims are often isolated and manipulated.
Camden's Alarming Statistics
According to a Freedom of Information request, Camden recorded 161 cuckooing incidents between 2023 and 2026, the highest of any London borough. Between 2021 and 2025, Camden also had the most flagged victims, with 34. Other boroughs like Islington, Southwark, Lewisham, and Tower Hamlets saw spikes in 2024/25, but overall numbers declined the following year.
Why Camden?
Camden Council attributes the high rate to the borough's three major transport hubs—Euston, King's Cross, and St Pancras—which connect London to the rest of the country. Additionally, the council's efforts to raise awareness and encourage reporting have contributed to the higher figures.
A Camden Council spokesperson said: 'People who are vulnerable to cuckooing are often isolated and preyed upon by criminals exploiting their situation. Recognising the extent of where this is taking place is crucial, so we can intervene and put the right support in place.'
Patterns of Cuckooing
The typical pattern involves the criminal offering money, drugs, or help to the victim, then convincing them to allow use of their home, either through intimidation or a seemingly friendly relationship. Once inside, the criminal becomes aggressive, takes control, and may bring others to the property, leaving the victim feeling trapped. Victims may also be coerced into participating in illegal activities.
Council and Police Response
Camden Council has established a dedicated Cuckooing Panel for high-risk cases, introduced in 2025, which has already produced positive outcomes for victims. The council works closely with the Metropolitan Police and other partners to tackle the issue.
The Met Police is piloting a new approach in Camden that includes a revised governance structure and academic research to better understand and combat cuckooing. A Met spokesperson said: 'In Camden, we are also piloting an approach with partners which includes a new governance structure alongside academic research, aimed at gaining a deeper knowledge into cuckooing and the way we work to tackle it.'
Legislative Change
On April 29, 2026, Parliament passed the Crime and Policing Bill, making cuckooing a standalone criminal offence. This legal change aims to provide stronger tools for law enforcement and better protection for victims.
Expert Warnings
Homelessness charity St Mungo's has warned that people facing homelessness are particularly at risk due to physical and mental health needs arising from trauma, substance abuse, and difficulty accessing support services. They describe cuckooing as a relatively new phenomenon that requires continued vigilance.
Other boroughs with high victim numbers include Hackney, Brent, and Hammersmith and Fulham, following Camden. The data underscores the need for ongoing collaboration between councils, police, and support services to address this hidden crime.
