VULNERABLE people are being targeted by drug gangs in a Flintshire town, police have warned.

North Wales Police (NWP) officers in that area are calling on residents to help them combat a method called ‘cuckooing,’.

That is the term used by police for when drug dealers take over a vulnerable person's address for criminal purposes.

According to Crimestoppers, drug gangs often set up base in a rural area.

They say that they also recruit vulnerable adults and children to act as couriers to move drugs and cash to suburban or other rural areas.

Warnings over cuckooing were issued in the Deeside area just a few weeks ago.

Now, NWP has issued a similar warning for Holywell.

PCSO Katie Horne said: "Cuckooing is the term used by police and support agencies for when drug dealers take over a vulnerable person's address for criminal purposes.

"They will use the vulnerable person's house as a base to supply, store or produce drugs from. The victim may feel too intimidated to turn the dealers away, and force or threats of violence may be used to gain access to their property.

"They will exploit an individual's vulnerability and fear to make money for themselves, and to avoid police detection. 

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"We are asking for your help. If you suspect a vulnerable neighbour may be suffering at the hands of criminal gangs, please help them and tell us. 

"We can offer support and safeguarding for the victim, and we will robustly deal with those people who choose to make money by exploiting some of the most vulnerable people in our communities."

Any reports can be made anonymously via NWP's webchat facility, on the North Wales Police website, or via Crimestoppers on 0800555111.