A court has ordered the closure of a Hartlepool property linked to months of drug activity, fighting, threats and anti-social behaviour.
Teesside Magistrates granted a three-month Closure Order on 18 Duke Street, Hartlepool, following an application by Hartlepool Borough Council on behalf of the multi-agency Hartlepool Community Safety Team.
The court heard that since the beginning of 2026, the tenant of the privately rented property had allowed persistent criminal and anti-social behaviour to take place there, including the supply of Class A, B and C drugs - with numerous people visiting the address throughout the day and night, and often into the early hours of the morning.
People were observed arriving by car, on foot and on bikes, staying for short periods before leaving. Some visitors appeared to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, while discarded bags associated with drugs and alcohol cans were found nearby.
The court also heard that on numerous occasions visitors and occupants of the property had been involved in threatening behaviour, fighting, shouting and screaming in the front and back streets surrounding the property.
Cleveland Police executed two separate warrants under Section 23 of the Misuse of Drugs Act in June and August 2026, resulting in the seizure of Class A, B and C drugs as well as drug paraphernalia.
Magistrates granted the Closure Order for a period of three months and awarded £1,485 in costs.
18 Duke Street
Councillor Amanda Napper, Chair of Hartlepool Borough Council’s Neighbourhoods and Regulatory Services Committee, said: “People have a right to feel safe and secure in their own homes and neighbourhoods. They should not have to put up with drugs, fighting, threats and disruptive behaviour on their doorstep.
“This property had become a focus for persistent criminal and anti-social behaviour, and this Closure Order sends out a very clear message that we will take action when the behaviour of individuals causes misery for the wider community.
“This result also demonstrates exactly why partnership working is so important. Hartlepool Borough Council, Cleveland Police and our other partners have worked together to gather the evidence and take decisive action to protect residents.
“We will continue to listen to communities and use the powers available to us wherever necessary to tackle criminal and anti-social behaviour.”
Hartlepool Neighbourhoods Inspector Adrian Dack said: “Following warrants executed at the address for drug dealing, I’m pleased that the court has granted this closure order for three months. The neighbours in this street should not have to live with the drug dealing activity at this address, and the antisocial behaviour, fighting and violence associated with it. Hopefully the closure will make residents in the street feel safer.”
A Closure Order prohibits access to the property by anyone other than those specifically authorised. The maximum penalty for breaching an order is six months imprisonment and/or an unlimited fine. Anyone who witnesses a breach should contact Cleveland Police on 101 or 999 in an emergency. Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.