A good piece of news this week regarding the vile offence of cuckooing and plans to make it a specific offence.
It is the term for when offenders take over someone’s home for criminal purposes. The victims are often vulnerable with learning disabilities or addiction issues so they are easy to control and exploit.
It is also a growing problem. We have seen a tenfold increase in the Sussex Police area, including serious incidents sadly here in Eastbourne.
Last November, I asked in parliament for the activity to be made a specific offence.
Now there will be new clauses to the Criminal Justice Bill. They will criminalise the control, however obtained, over another’s home without consent for the purposes of committing specified criminal activity.
A new offence will target the criminal activity that takes place in cuckooed properties, for example drugs supply, sexual offences and storage of offensive weapons.
To future proof the new legislation, power will be given to the Secretary of State to amend the list of offences against exploitative criminals who continually adapt their methods to evade the police.
The incidents I was made aware of last year were truly shocking and I am pleased to see this will now be a specific crime.
If there is one place where everyone should feel safe, it is surely within the comfort and confines of their own home. To be able to violate this and not face the full force of the law was a loophole needing closing.
It will also have a deterrent effect and hopefully make criminals think twice about exploiting vulnerable people in this disgusting way.
I had the honour of giving a shout out to 17-year-old Leoni Miller in the House of Commons this week.
Having endured an induced coma and six rounds of chemotherapy Leoni Miller launched her new business LM Thank You Gifts at a Wayfinder Woman in Eastbourne event last month.
The business secretary Kemi Badenoch wished Leoni every success. It is important young women can see that being an entrepreneur is a real prospect and I am happy to support them.
And looking to the weekend, I’m looking forward to support the Cider & Beer Festival this weekend and hope to see very many of you there!
