Property Closure Order aims to stamp out drug dealing in Hartlepool

Published Friday, 24th March 2023

Community safety officials in Hartlepool have successfully secured a Closure Order on a property in an attempt to tackle its use as a base for drug dealing, associated crime and anti-social behaviour

Teesside Magistrates granted the order for a property on Furness Street following an application by the multi-agency Hartlepool Community Safety Team, which is made up of representatives from Hartlepool Borough Council, Cleveland Police and Cleveland Fire Brigade.

Evidence was submitted to the Magistrate that the property was being used as a base for a number of alleged offences. This follows a recent police raid on the property during County Lines Week earlier this month where Cleveland Police officers seized drugs, weapons and arrested two men aged 18 and 41 years old on suspicion of drug offences.

The team decided to pursue the Closure Order which is supported by the landlord, as way of immediately removing the tenant from the area to improve the quality of life for neighbours living close to this property.

A Hartlepool Borough Council spokesperson, said: ‘‘We are pleased that the Hartlepool Community Safety Team has been able to secure this Closure Order.

‘‘This is a property that has been used for serious drug offences and we will not let the life quality of our residents be impacted by homes such as this in our neighbourhoods.’’

Acting Inspector David Lester from the Hartlepool Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “This is a fantastic example of great partnership work between the Force and Hartlepool Borough Council which has resulted in a closure order being granted.

“The Force is committed to tackling drug activity in our communities as we know it can have a huge impact on those living nearby.

“We will continue to work tirelessly to improve the quality of life for residents and I would urge people to contact the police with any concerns.”

The Closure Order will remain in force for a period of three months. A breach is punishable with an unlimited fine, imprisonment of up to 6 months or both. Anyone who witnesses an order being breached should call the police on 101 or 999 in an emergency. Alternatively, they can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.