Child criminal exploitation and cuckooing are set to become explicit criminal offenses as part of new legislation being introduced to Parliament next week. The Crime and Policing Bill will include measures aimed at tackling these serious issues, which have left many vulnerable individuals at risk.
Cuckooing occurs when criminals take over the home of someone vulnerable, often using it as a base for illegal activities such as drug dealing. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has denounced such exploitation as "sickening," stating, "It is vitally important we do everything in our power to eradicate it from our streets."
This proposed legislation aims not only to punish offenders but also to provide protections for victims, ensuring they are supported rather than criminalized. Under the current guidelines set by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), suspects of cuckooing may be prosecuted under various other offenses, such as assault and harassment, which may not fully encapsulate the severity of the crime.
Cooper confirmed the plans to introduce two new offenses – one specific to cuckooing and the other focused on child criminal exploitation (CCE). These efforts represent significant steps toward addressing the growing concerns surrounding the grooming of children by adults for roles within criminal gangs, including drug trafficking and organized robbery.
Statistically, the extent of the CCE issue is alarming. The Home Office estimates around 14,500 children were identified as being at risk of CCE during 2023-24, though this figure could be significantly underestimated due to underreporting. The standalone CCE offense will carry up to 10 years of imprisonment, illuminating the government's determination to tackle this pressing issue.
Mark Russell, Chief Executive of The Children’s Society, applauded the move, asserting, "This new offense is a vitally important step forward. A standalone crime of child criminal exploitation will finally shift the focus onto perpetrators, not victims." He emphasized the necessity of direct accountability for adults who exploit children for criminal activities.
Legislative measures will also include CCE prevention orders, allowing courts to impose restrictions on individuals deemed to pose risks of exploiting children. Breaking these orders will constitute another criminal offense, punishable by imprisonment.
Dr. Laura Bainbridge, an associate professor specializing in cuckooing, provided insight on this complex issue. She explained, "Determining victims and perpetrators can be very difficult, as no two instances of cuckooing are identical. Often, the vulnerable individual might perceive the offender as their friend and hesitate to eject them from their property." Bainbridge hopes these new laws will clarify the status of victims, ensuring they are shielded from prosecution.
Dame Rachel de Souza, the UK's Children's Commissioner, echoed similar sentiments, noting, "Many children targeted by adult criminals themselves face punishment instead of support." She reinforced the necessity for the legislative changes, which aim to create clarity around children's victimhood and redirect assistance where it is most needed.
The legislative push also includes measures to explicitly outlaw spiking, carrying substantial penalties, showcasing the government's holistic approach to prioritize individual safety and protection from exploitation.
With broad support from various sectors, this new legislation signifies the UK's commitment to addressing some of the most vulnerable individuals within society: children and those living with disabilities or facing substance misuse challenges.
UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper's words encapsulate the sentiment driving this effort: "The exploitation of children and vulnerable people for criminal gain is sickening, and we must do everything possible to eradicate these practices from our society." The path forward will center on safeguarding the youth and ensuring their well-being, drawing clarity on their role as victims who deserve protection.