Council secures closure order for Hemel Hempstead property after police find drugs, cash and weapons

Dacorum Borough Council has successfully secured a three-month closure order for a property in Hemel Hempstead following numerous reports of anti-social behaviour and criminal activity.

A police warrant executed at the property found a large amount of drugs, cash and weapons.

Working together, Dacorum Borough Council’s Anti-Social Behaviour and Legal teams and Herts Police gathered evidence in relation to the premises to consider a Closure Order to give neighbours much needed respite.

Local residents were regularly disrupted by anti-social behaviour from the property in Waveney, Grovehill at all times of the day and night including drug dealing, threats of violence and criminal damage.

The Closure Order was granted under the Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014 at St Albans Magistrates’ Court yesterday (Thursday, October 1) and excludes anyone from entering the property for three months.

Should any unauthorised person enter the premises they will be arrested, which may result in imprisonment or a fine.

Cllr Julie Banks, portfolio holder for community and regulatory services at Dacorum Borough Council, said: “Thank you to the neighbours who bravely came forward to report these incidents and help bring peace back to their community.

"Dacorum Borough Council will not tolerate anti-social behaviour, which has a detrimental impact on the quality of life for local residents.

“We hope this has reassured the community that we take reports like this very seriously and along with our partners will use every tool available to tackle anti-social behaviour to provide residents with peaceful enjoyment of their homes.”

Hertfordshire Police Chief Inspector Craig Flint said: “This operation has been a well-coordinated approach from all partners and sends out a strong message that this kind of behaviour will not be tolerated.

“We will continue to work with our partners and do everything in our power to deal with those who cause misery to others living in their local community.

"If you are concerned about the activities of your neighbours, please contact us or Dacorum Borough Council to report it.”

The property is now closed for three months.

Anti-social behaviour can be reported on the council's website.