SUSPECTED drug dealers have been kicked out of two Wokingham homes.
Thames Valley Police and the borough council worked together to secure partial closure orders on the council-owned properties in Winnersh and Emmbrook.
The suspects are believed to have been “cuckooing”, a practise that sees a home controlled through threats or even physical violence.
Under the order, only specific people, including council staff and police, can enter the homes. Anyone else can be prosecuted. Regular inspections will be conducted to ensure the order is being complied with.
Wokingham Borough Council says its community safety team visited the Winnersh property following reports from the public and found evidence that suggested cuckooing was taking place.
They worked with police to monitor the suspected victim, who is now being supported, and the partial closure was granted at Reading Magistrates’ Court shortly afterwards.
This runs for three months from June 8 while the Emmbrook order, which was secured by the police after receiving similar information, runs from May 5.
These cases follow an incident on Wokingham’s Norreys estate earlier in the year, which also led to a successful application for a partial closure order.
Cllr Ian Shenton, executive member for environment, sport and leisure at the council, said: “We share our residents’ shock and sadness that cuckooing happens here but, unfortunately, it’s happening in many places and we’re not immune.
“We’re determined to target offenders and protect their victims as they’re often vulnerable themselves through addiction, mental illness or other things that aren’t their fault.
“As well as working with police to kick ‘cuckoos’ out, we work closely with those affected to help them come to terms with their ordeal and address any underlying problems.”
He said that he understood it can be daunting to report, but the council takes reports seriously and would act accordingly.
A council community safety officer added: “Victims often think these people are their friends, and may feel they’re ‘in too deep’ by the time they realise they’ve lost control of the situation. It’s often become unbearable so they’re thankful and relieved when we step in.
“We can act quickly once we know what’s going on and we’re incredibly grateful when people contact us because this is a crucial first step in turning things around. If you’re worried for yourself or a neighbour, please don’t hesitate to tell us.
“There are all kinds of signs, from unusual noise and people coming and going at odd times to strangers mistakenly knocking on your door looking to ‘buy something’. If anyone is dealing drugs in one of our properties, we’ll find out and work with the police stop it.”
Anyone who fears for their or someone else’s situation should call police on 101 or report it online – or dial 999 if they feel there is an immediate danger.
To report issues with anti-social behaviour, contact the council’s team or see its website for more.
