MULTIPLE addresses in Barnsley are set to be targeted by the police in an effort to stamp out instances of so-called ‘cuckooing’ from organised crime groups.

Cuckooing is a form of exploitation where vulnerable people are targeted and their homes are taken over for criminal activity, often being used as bases for drug dealing.

South Yorkshire Police confirmed that 11 addresses have been looked at recently, although five were discounted.

However, the remaining six are being treated as priorities and force bosses are working alongside the council to secure closure orders which only permit the occupant and authorised people to enter the address.

Superintendent Mark James told the Chronicle: “Cuckooing is something that isn’t prevalent in Barnsley but it is still a thing, and it’s an issue that we continually look at.

“Recently we’ve looked at 11 addresses and discounted some, but six are active and we’re working alongside multiple agencies in relation to it.

“Often the occupants are vulnerable and organised criminals see that as an easy way in they befriend the victims, gain trust and take over the property, effectively.

“Given the victims’ vulnerabilities, they often won’t even see themselves as a victim.

“We’re keen to disrupt organised criminality but it’s very much a multi-layered approach.

“If you notice unusual activity at a property in your area such as frequent visitors, antisocial behaviour, or signs of drug use please report it using 101.

“Your information can help protect vulnerable residents and keep our communities safe.”

Cuckooing figures hit their highest level in five years in 2024/25, with 84 incidents being recorded by South Yorkshire Police up from eight in 2019/20.

Statistics for 2025/26, which will be released later this year, were on course to break the previous year’s high, according to a police report.

It added: “OCGs often use high levels of violence and intimidation to protect the ‘county line’ and control them.

“One of these forms of control exploits vulnerable people by using their home as a base for dealing drugs, a process known as cuckooing.

“Dealers often convince the vulnerable person to let their home be used for drug dealing by giving them free drugs or offering to pay for food or utilities.

“Often OCGs target people who are lonely, isolated, or have addiction issues.

“It’s common for OCGs to use a property for a short amount of time, moving address frequently to reduce the chance of being caught.”