A property which was a “magnet for criminality” has been shut down following months of joint working between police and the local council.
Nottinghamshire Police and Nottingham City Council have worked in partnership to secure the closure order 11 Friary Close, Lenton, which was a blight on the local community after it was used for illegal drugs activity and anti-social behaviour.
The order was granted at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on 10 July.
It will last for three months and prohibits any persons from entering the property including the current occupant.
If an individual breaches the order they would be committing an offence and be liable to imprisonment and/or a fine.
An application to shut the property was submitted by the council, supported by Nottinghamshire Police, following a string of complaints from neighbours.
The complaints centred around large numbers of people taking drugs in full view of residents, making noise and intimidating neighbours.
Neighbourhood Inspector Liz Gaskin said:
“This positive action is the culmination of a year’s hard work and shows how seriously we treat reports of drug dealing and anti-social behaviour in our communities.
“This sort of criminal behaviour can have a huge detrimental impact on the lives of residents.
“This property was a magnet for criminality so closing it down should make things better for neighbours.
“Working closely with our partners we will do all we can to protect the community from criminal behaviour and disorder and prevent it from adversely affecting the lives of decent, hard-working law-abiding people.
“I hope the action we’ve taken in this instance reassures residents that we will listen to any reports they make to us with a view to taking appropriate and proportionate action against those who are responsible for causing harm.
“We can only take action if incidents are reported to us, so I’d urge people to please let us know about anything that concerns them in their local area.
“By securing this closure order we want to send out a clear message that we will not put up with criminal behaviour and, if you engage in this type of activity, then you can expect your home to be our next target.”
Targeting and disrupting the illegal drug trade in and around the City Central district, along with associated offences of violence and anti-social behaviour, remains a key local policing priority.
Inspector Gaskin added:
“We know drug supply is a huge concern in the community which is why we’re so committed to tackling the issue and dealing robustly with offenders.
“Drugs blight our communities and we know the significant negative impact they have on people’s lives. Drug dealing is often linked to violence on our streets and the exploitation of vulnerable people.
“We will continue our relentless work to disrupt the activities of those involved and work hard to bring them to justice.
“Community intelligence is vital to helping us rid the streets of drugs. I’d urge anyone with information about drug supply in their area to call Nottinghamshire Police on 101.”
James Douglas, Head of Community Protection at Nottingham City Council, said the closure order was a positive development. He said:
“ASB Enforcement officers have worked tirelessly with the Radford Beat Teams, Nottingham City Council Housing Services and the local residents to take robust action to offer much needed respite to the local community from the serious nuisance and disorder at the property.
“This has only been possible through exemplary partnership work between the police and the council.”
Anyone with any concerns about suspected drug supply or anti-social behaviour in their area should report them to Nottinghamshire Police on 101 or, in an emergency, dial 999.
