Alfreton Police’s Safer Neighbourhood Policing Team have been carrying out an ongoing campaign surrounding ‘cuckooing.’

A spokesman for Alfreton Police SNT said: “As part of an ongoing campaign, this week we’ve been working with local partners to visit and offer support to those who we think may be at risk of ‘cuckooing’.

“Cuckooing is when criminals use someone’s home (often someone vulnerable) as a base for their operations.”

Signs that cuckooing may be going on at a property include:

• An increase in people entering and leaving.

• An increase in cars or bikes outside.

• Possible increase in anti-social behaviour.

• Increasing litter outside.

• Signs of drugs use.

• Lack of healthcare visitors.

• Suspicious vehicles or people at an address.

• A neighbour has not been seen for a while. Or they are more distant than usual (with more visitors).

• Unusual activity at short term or holiday lets.

• Older member of the community unexpectedly driving around unknown individuals.

If you have any information you can report in the following ways-

• Facebook – send us a private message to /DerbyshireConstabulary

• Twitter – direct message our contact centre on @DerPolContact

• Website – complete the online contact form derbyshire.police.uk/Contact-Us.

• Phone – call us on 101.

The police spokesman added: “You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

“Please note in the event of an emergency you should always call 999.”