POLICE have uncovered another case of so-called ‘cuckooing’ in Amesbury after a vulnerable resident was forced to flee their own home.

Officers from Salisbury Response Team 3A were called to an address on the evening of Monday, March 23, following urgent welfare concerns raised by a member of the public.

When they arrived, a known male was found inside the property, having barricaded the door with multiple items.

Police established he was not registered at the housing association address and had been coercing and cuckooing the tenant.

The vulnerable resident had already fled the property.

Officers confirmed the man was not welcome and removed him along with his belongings, instructing him not to return in line with the tenant’s wishes.

The victim has since been safeguarded, with the housing association informed and neighbourhood policing teams carrying out regular welfare checks.

The incident is the latest in a series of cuckooing cases reported in Amesbury, raising growing concerns about the exploitation of vulnerable people in the area.

Cuckooing is when criminals take over someone’s home to use it for illegal activity such as drug dealing or storing weapons.

Victims are often targeted because they are vulnerable, including those with addiction issues, financial difficulties, mental health conditions, or who are elderly or disabled.

Warning signs can include a sudden change in behaviour or appearance, withdrawal from friends and family, an increase in visitors at all hours, or signs of drug-related activity around a property.

Police are urging anyone with concerns about potential cuckooing or exploitation to come forward.