A POLICE crackdown has been launched to stop drug dealers from London preying on vulnerable Clacton residents and taking over their homes to use as drugs bases.
Dealers have been moving into Clacton in increasing numbers to peddle class A drugs.
They identify vulnerable residents and move into their homes, using the premises as undercover bases for drug distribution across the town.
The crooks often use drugs as bait to control the residents.
Officers say the technique, known as “cuckooing”, has become a worrying trend.
Chief Inspector Russ Cole said: “We need to understand the hidden harm being caused to our town.
“It is not obvious. By taking over someone’s home, they are operating in a subtle way, but causing serious harm to Clacton.”
Read the full story in the Clacton Gazette, out now.
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