The practice of ‘cuckooing’, where vulnerable people have their homes taken over, has generated significant policy and practice attention across the UK over the last ten years. While not exclusively, this has often been associated with the workings of illicit drug markets, with connections made to the activities of organised crime and the supply model known as ‘county lines’. Involving a range of researchers who have recently completed or are currently engaged with studies on this area, this roundtable discussion will provide an opportunity for critically reflecting on the current state of knowledge about cuckooing and how it should be understood. In addition, speakers will consider the practical implications of their findings for informing, critiquing and improving better responses. Finally, consideration will be given to what a future research agenda on this area might look like. 

Speakers

Dr Rose Broad, University of Manchester

Simon Harding, University of West London

Dr Laura Bainbridge, Lecturer in Criminal Justice, University of Leeds

Prof Stephen. J. Macdonald, Durham University

Jack Spicer, University of Bath