Hammersmith and Fulham Council is enhancing its strategy to combat cuckooing, a form of exploitation where vulnerable residents' homes are taken over by perpetrators, often linked to drug trafficking. The council's Anti-Social Behaviour Unit (ASBU) is at the forefront of this effort, employing a victim-centred, risk-based approach.
During a recent Community Safety Board meeting, Miguel Javelot, ASBU Manager, highlighted the unit's leading national work in cuckooing prevention and risk management. He explained that while cuckooing can be associated with county lines, in Hammersmith and Fulham it often involves vulnerable individuals exploiting other vulnerable people, frequently those with substance misuse issues. The ASBU has developed its own risk matrix, using local data and work with UCL, to pinpoint what the risks are to residents who are at risk of cuckooing, as well as those who are currently undergoing, or being cuckooed.
This matrix is used to identify individuals at risk of cuckooing.
The ASBU has developed a specific risk matrix for the borough, allowing for early identification and intervention with individuals at risk of being cuckooed. A dedicated officer conducts monthly visits, supported by a substance misuse worker, to provide early prevention and support. The substance misuse worker supports the designated cuckooing officer during these visits, aiming to support people within their current homes identifying who the perpetrators are.
The Cuckooing Risk Panel, which meets monthly, reviews referrals from partners to assess, allocate, and monitor cases. Since its inception in 2023, the panel has received approximately 230 referrals, indicating a robust framework for identifying and intercepting this problem at an early stage.
Councillor Jacolyn Daly, Chair of the Community Safety Board, noted the proactive and preventative approach taken by the council, commending the officers and previous cabinet members for establishing this framework. The ASBU has seen a significant increase in its caseload over the past three years, with a 141% rise in overall ASB Unit caseloads. This increase is attributed to a substantial shift towards more complex, high-risk cases requiring intensive safeguarding, partnership working and enforcement interventions,
including rises in hate crime, cuckooing, exploitation, and CMARAC referrals. Cases involving hate crime and hate incidents have increased by 170%, and cuckooing cases by 41%.
Despite this increased complexity, the ASB Unit maintained strong response times and delivered 173 enforcement interventions in 2025/26. These interventions included 24 Notices Seeking Possession, 6 Injunctions, 4 Closure Orders, 5 Outright Possession Orders, 1 eviction, and support for 12 management transfers and 8 temporary accommodation placements.
Customer satisfaction surveys indicate a need for improvement in communication and expectation management, particularly within the Housing North and South teams. Survey feedback highlights that communication, expectations management and regular case updates remain key areas for improvement.
The ASB Unit's priorities for 2026/27 include Improving resident satisfaction and communication
and Strengthening compliance with victim update requirements.
Overall, 75% of ASB Unit respondents reported feeling safer following council intervention. The council's commitment to tackling cuckooing is part of a broader strategy to address complex cases involving exploitation and safeguarding, with close collaboration between various departments including Housing, the Law Enforcement Team, and Adult Social Care. The council is also developing a matrix in relation to to the perpetrators
and is working with UCL to understand their risks. Individuals encountered during outreach activities are offered advice and assistance relating to supported housing, homelessness services, substance misuse treatment, prescribing services, and post-custody support.
Public reports pack provides further details on the Community Safety Board's work.
