Police and partners have successfully secured an extension to a previous closure order on a Watford flat linked to crime and anti-social behaviour.
No one can enter the flat – in Flanders Court on St Albans Road – for a further 12 weeks after the extension was granted in Stevenage Magistrates’ Court yesterday (Wednesday, September 24).
This result comes after continued partnership working between police, Watford Borough Council and Peabody Housing Association, meaning affected residents will now be given further respite from the drug crime and anti-social behaviour that was previously disrupting their lives.
The original order was granted after reports of alleged drug dealing and drug use within the block, including in the communal areas. Several non-residents were coming and going from the block at all times of day and night, causing damage to the building as well as annoyance to other residents.
Sergeant Karl Diggins, from the Watford Community Safety Unit, said: “We and our partners are very pleased to have achieved the three-month extension on our original closure order; we want this to send a clear message to the tenant that we won’t tolerate this type of behaviour, because everyone has a right to feel safe and happy in their own home.
“Sometimes, we’re not able to act immediately but this does not mean we’re not working away in the background, gathering information and evidence to take tangible action.
“We will continue to work with our partners to achieve a more permanent solution to this issue, because we are committed to doing everything in our power to prevent anti-social behaviour and criminality from blighting our communities.”
If you suspect drug-related crime in your local area, report it online at herts.police.uk/report, via online web chat at herts.police.uk/contact or by calling the non-emergency number 101. Always dial 999 in an emergency or if a crime is in progress.
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