Police in Watford have secured a full closure order on an address in the town following multiple calls about criminal activity and anti-social behaviour at the property...
The order was granted by St Albans Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday 21 March and prohibits anyone from entering the address in Hemming Way for the next three months. Anyone who does so will be arrested and could face a fine, a prison sentence or both.
Police began to investigate the address after receiving numerous calls about anti-social behaviour and drug misuse. Officers from the Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT), supported by the Watford Community Safety Unit, Watford Borough Council and Watford Community Housing worked together to gather evidence of the tenants’ unacceptable behaviour that was having a detrimental effect on neighbours.
SNT Sergeant Phil Smith said: “Crime and anti-social behaviour has a devasting effect on local communities and no one should have to live in fear of their neighbours. We hope this result will provide some respite from the ongoing issues suffered by neighbours and improve their quality of life.
“This closure order will hopefully send a message that this type of behaviour will not be tolerated and we will seek to take action against those who cause misery for others. Everyone deserves to feel safe and happy in their home and no one should be subjected to continued anti-social behaviour, such as the chronic use of cannabis and other drugs, loud music, people visiting at all hours of the day or night, verbal abuse, or intimidation. If you engage in this type of activity, then you can expect your home to be the next target for us.
“Anyone with information about anti-social behaviour or criminal activity in their neighbourhood is urged to please report the details to us so that we can take action to make your community safer. Your calls make a real difference."
Justine Hoy, Associate Director of Housing and Wellbeing at Watford Borough Council, said: “The council work closely with partners to reduce and prevent anti-social behaviour in the town which we simply do not tolerate. The closure order will bring relief to the community that have suffered from anti-social behaviour over a long period of time.
“Residents in the area were significantly impacted by this property and despite attempts to engage, there was no other no option but to go down the enforcement route with the police. By working closely with Hertfordshire Constabulary, this disruptive behaviour has been brought to an end. We will continue to work with our partners to identify any other premises which are or could potentially be causing nuisance or disorder in the area.”
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