Complaints about anti-social behaviour and suspected drug use lead to closure orders on two Hemel Hempstead flats

Police have secured a full closure order and partial closure order for two properties in Hemel Hempstead following numerous complaints about anti-social behaviour and suspected drug use.

The orders relate to two separate flats at Bond Court in Stationers Place, Apsley, and they were both heard at St Albans Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, April 1.

The orders were granted following an application under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.

Police had received intelligence to suggest drug activity at both addresses so in response, two warrants were executed at the flats on Friday, February 26.

Class A drugs (crack cocaine), cash and drugs paraphernalia were recovered from one flat and a man was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply class A drugs.

On entering the other flat, officers carried out a search of the property where they recovered a quantity of Class A drugs - crack cocaine and heroin.

They arrested three people on suspicion of possession with intent to supply class A drugs.

The partial closure order prohibits anyone from entering the property other than the registered tenant, the housing association, utility companies or the emergency services for a period of three months.

The full closure order prevents anyone, including the registered tenant, from entering the address for three months. The only organisations allowed access are the housing association, utility companies and the emergency services. Anyone who breaches the orders can be arrested.

Sergeant Mike Saunders, who leads the Dacorum Community Safety Unit, said: “We had received numerous reports concerning suspected drug related activity at both addresses which allowed us to build a picture of what we believed was happening inside.

"We worked in partnership with Clarion Housing to gather evidence in support of the closure orders, which we felt were necessary to preserve the quality of life for other residents in Bond Court.

“This type of behaviour is hugely detrimental to the community and will not be tolerated in Dacorum.

"I hope this latest development will reassure residents that we are listening, and we will take appropriate action when they report crime and anti-social behaviour to us.

“Anyone with information about anti-social behaviour or drug 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 can make a real difference.”