Three homes served with Closure Orders in crackdown against drug dealing and anti-social behaviour
Three properties linked to drug dealing and anti-social behaviour in St Albans District have been served with Closure Orders.
St Albans City and District Council's Anti-Social Behaviour Team acted after complaints about activities at the homes.
They gathered evidence before successfully applying to St Albans Magistrates Court for the orders.
It means that anyone entering the properties over the next three months without permission faces prosecution for a criminal offence.
Following the court hearing, Council staff secured the flats and pinned the notices to the doors.
One of the properties, in Bardwell Court, Sopwell, St Albans, was linked to drug dealing, excessive noise and other anti-social behaviour.
The other two flats, in Cottonmill Lane, Sopwell, and Springfield Road, Smallford, were linked to drug dealing through cuckooing.
This practice involves criminals taking advantage of a vulnerable person and using their property for drug dealing or other illegal activities.
Councillor Sarwar Shamsher, the Council's Lead for Community Safety, said:
We will now work with these vulnerable tenants and our partners to help them rebuild their lives and reduce the risk of them being exploited again.
Closure Orders are an important tool in tackling serious anti-social behaviour and drug-related activity in our communities.
I am sure residents will welcome the decisive action taken in all three cases. Everyone has the right to feel safe in their home and neighbourhood, and we remain determined to protect vulnerable residents and tackle criminal activity.
The Closure Orders were obtained at a hearing at St Albans Magistrates' Court on Thursday 20 August and served immediately afterwards.
Photo: the Council's Anti-Social Behaviour Officer, Carmel Sheringham-Ford, left, and Housing Officer, Sarah Mcgee, serve the Closure Order on the Cottonmill Lane property.
Council Media Contacts: www.stalbans.gov.uk/news-and-whats.