Mate Crime and Forced Home Invasion / Cuckooing

Mate crime involves the inappropriate befriending of a young person by another person or persons/group with the intention of exploiting or abusing them.

This can include, but is not limited to:-

1. Forced labour (modern slavery);
2. Coercion into spending money or giving away possessions (financial abuse);
3. Coercion into prostitution or other sexual acts (sexual abuse and exploitation);
4. Coercion to commit criminal offences e.g. buying/selling drugs, shoplifting;
5. Coercion into County Lines activity.

In the early stages of mate crime, the person will usually behave in ways that build rapport and trust with the young person, homing in on the material and/or emotional things that the young person in question genuinely needs or desires. For example, buying them gifts, spending quality time with them, giving them drugs or alcohol.

Once befriended, the person can use a range of abusive or harmful behaviour towards the young person, either to abuse/neglect them, or to ensure their compliance with exploitation: For example:

1. Threats of harm;
2. Saying things to create feelings of worthlessness or dependency;
3. Actual physical assault or restraint;
4. Withholding of medication or possessions important to the adult;
5. Covert or overt use of drugs or alcohol.

The person may continue to display the original ‘positive’ behaviours alongside those behaviours that abuse and exploit the young person, to maintain the charade of friendship.

The abuse or exploitation often happens in private and the 'relationship' may appear on the face of it to be genuine to both the adult and their networks of support.

Home invasion/cuckooing occurs when the person who has befriended the young person moves in, takes over the property, and uses it to grow or distribute drugs, or as a base for other illegal activities such as sex work. The young person is often manipulated or forced to become involved in the illegal activity against their will.

Those targeted are usually socially isolated or living on their own. This is clearly intentional as it reduces the likelihood that the behaviour will be challenged by others.

However, with the increase in social media people are now also using these platforms to befriend adults who may be living with others or in a family environment.

Examples of indicators of Mate Crime and Home Invasion include but are not limited to:

1. Changes in behaviour (e.g. becoming more withdrawn or increase in risk taking);
2. Changes in appearance (taking less or more care, weight loss);
3. Financial difficulty (e.g. bills not paid, unable to buy food);
4. Changes to household environment (e.g. missing possessions, rubbish, unusual items such as cigarettes, alcohol);
5. Changes in routine and regular activities;
6. Withdrawing from existing networks of support and services;
7. Unexplained injuries;
8. Secretive or increased mobile phone or social media use;
9. Isolation from usual peers or social networks;
10. Talking about new 'friends' and/or in relationships with controlling/ older individuals or groups.

Where cuckooing (forced home invasion) is taking place, the following could also be indicators:

1. Unfamiliar individuals coming and going from the property at all hours;
2. Increase in loitering in the area around the property or takeaway deliveries at unusual hours;
3. Increase in noise or disturbance levels, including late-night parties, arguments, littering etc.
4. Damage to the property, such as broken windows and doors;
5. Threats or intimidation to other residents or neighbours.

For further guidance, please see: Home Office Guidance - Criminal Exploitation of Children and Vulnerable Adults: County Lines.

As part of the safeguarding process it will be necessary to speak to the young person about the concerns that have been raised.

Sometimes the young person will know that their 'friend' is not really their friend. However in other cases they may not realise this, even if it is obvious to observers of the relationship.

Conversations should be sensitive, recognising that it may take some time for the young person to understand and accept the situation. An insensitive approach runs the risk that the young person will isolate themselves further, increasing their overall vulnerability.

Despite the exploitation, coming to terms with the failed 'friendship' can also be very difficult, as the young person may feel rejected or worthless without it. There is also a risk that they may rebound into a similar relationship without good support.

When making decisions about the most appropriate and proportionate course of action the following risk factors should be considered:

1. The young person may have been experiencing the exploitation or abuse for a significant amount of time;
2. Whether the person could have access to the young person's home or an ability to coerce their way inside;
3. Whether the young person is (or feels they are) dependent on the person in some way;
4. The risk of harm could increase after the young person has received help as the perpetrator tries to take back control;
5. The perpetrator may be unlikely to end the relationship or to let the young person simply 'walk away' from the relationship.

Building the young person's resilience and developing their ability to stay safe may be the most appropriate and proportionate response to a concern.

Developing skills around relationships

Where deemed appropriate, the young person should be supported to develop their skills in the following areas:

1. What makes a good friend;
2. How to recognise a 'fake' friend;
3. What to do if someone behaves in a way they do not like and how to seek help.

Depending on the nature of the concerns, this may need to include appropriate sexual relationship advice.

Support to Stay Safe Online

Where the internet is a relevant factor, the young person may benefit from support to enable them to recognise online risks and reduce the likelihood of harm occurring.

This may include:

1. Understanding how information or images posted online may be used;
2. How to use privacy settings;
3. How to 'accept' or 'reject' a friend request;
4. How to stop seeing something, including blocking; and
5. Staying safe when meeting with people met online.

Please read this chapter in conjunction with the Recognising abuse and Neglect and Safeguarding Young People and Referring Safeguarding Concerns.