DRUG dealing gangs are taking over the homes of vulnerable people in the city.

The criminals, usually from London, work their way into homes by targeting drug-users, people with mental health issues, or those with a disability.

The vulnerable residents are often plied with drink and drugs or given money to build trust.

But once they are inside a home, the gangs will use the house as a base for drug dealing.

Victims will then become a prisoner in their own home as the gangs control them and restrict their movements through extreme abuse.

This is called cuckooing.

The victim is kept from saying anything to neighbours and police under threat of violence from the gang or the fear they will be in trouble.

Brighton and Hove City Council is calling on the city’s residents to understand the warning signs and report suspicious activity in their neighbourhood to the police.

Labour councillor Emma Daniel, who has worked with victims and neighbours of cuckooing, said: “These gangs are highly organised, dish out retribution, and manipulate people with fear.

“But there is a way out and we need brave members of the public to let us know because there is something we can do.”

Here are the warning signs that your neighbour is a victim of cuckooing:

  • An increase in the number of visitors to a property.
  • People visiting who you do not recognise.
  • Stolen bikes and mopeds in and around the property.
  • More rubbish and litter in the surrounding area.
  • Noise nuisance.
  • An increase in antisocial behaviour.
  • The tenant is seen less often and in some cases is never seen alone.

Cllr Daniel said: “Please don’t think you are going to cause a problem for the person. Trust us we’re good at keeping people safe.”

“Report to police using 101 number and email with as much information as you can.”

A spokeswoman for Sussex Police confirmed London affiliated gangs are seeking to establish drug distribution in East and West Sussex and elsewhere in the South East of England.

She said the areas in Sussex most affected by the drug trade from London are the larger coastal towns like Eastbourne, Worthing, Bognor and in established drugs markets in places like Brighton.