Behind Closed Doors: A Newly Launched VR Training Tool Tackling Cuckooing
Cuckooing is a hidden crime with devastating consequences. It occurs when criminals take over the home of a vulnerable person, often linked to drug trafficking or organised crime. The signs can be subtle, making it difficult for professionals to spot and respond in time. For housing officers, social care teams, and frontline responders, recognising and acting on these early warning signs is critical to safeguarding those at risk.
Innovation Through Immersive VR Learning
To address this challenge, Dr Laura Bainbridge and her colleagues at the School of Law, University of Leeds commissioned Gamechanger’s sister company, digital storytelling agency Peel X, to create a new VR-based Hazard Perception Test: Behind Closed Doors.
The tool places participants inside realistic, film-based scenarios delivered in VR. Learners must observe, assess, and respond to potential indicators of exploitation, honing their observational skills and decision-making in a safe, controlled environment.
Collaboration at its Core
The project was delivered through a highly collaborative process, involving safeguarding specialists, lived-experience voices, and professional actors to ensure authenticity.
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Commissioning & Research: Dr Laura Bainbridge and colleagues, School of Law – University of Leeds
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Script & Direction: James Stone
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Filming & Editing: Orillo, York
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Website Design: Sarah Collet, SBC Studio – cuckooing.co.uk
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Production, Locations, Set Design, Creative Direction, Account Management & Delivery: Peel X Team
Impact in Practice
The Behind Closed Doors VR Hazard Perception Test is now being integrated into training for frontline professionals, offering them the opportunity to build confidence and awareness before encountering these situations in real life.
Dr Laura Bainbridge explains:
“Cuckooing is a hidden crime that devastates lives, yet the signs can be incredibly subtle and easy to miss. By working with our creative partners, we’ve been able to create a training tool that feels realistic, challenging, and ultimately empowering for those on the frontline. Our hope is that this project helps professionals intervene earlier and safeguard those most at risk.”
Why It’s a Gamechanger
At Gamechanger, we highlight projects like Behind Closed Doors because they show how creativity and technology can address real-world challenges. By blending academic research, immersive VR production, and innovative training design, this project equips frontline workers with the tools they need to better protect vulnerable people.
This is more than a training product — it’s a game-changing intervention in the fight against hidden crime.
For more information and to secure this resource for your team visit www.cuckooing.co.uk
