Police shut down problem address in Hemel Hempstead

A flat in Hemel Hempstead is now off-limits after police successfully achieved a full closure order following reports of chronic anti-social behaviour and suspected drug use at the address.

The property in Figtree Hill, off Queensway, was the subject of many calls to police and Dacorum Borough Council and the behaviour of the occupant(s) was having a negative impact on the community - so the Dacorum Community Safety Unit (CSU) took action.

They gathered evidence for the full closure order application in liaison with the council, and despite the property being privately owned, it was subsequently granted at St Albans Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (22 August).

The order prohibits anyone – other than the emergency services, and utility companies in an emergency – from entering the premises for twelve weeks. Anyone who breaches this order could be arrested, with further action taken against them.

Inspector Jeff Scott, from the Dacorum Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “We hope this result will provide some much-needed respite from the chronic issues suffered by neighbours and help improve their quality of life.

“We will not tolerate this type of behaviour so if you have information about suspected drug activity and anti-social behaviour in your neighbourhood, please don’t hesitate to report it to us because we will take it seriously.

“We will do all we can to prevent it from adversely affecting the lives of decent, law-abiding people who live nearby. I want to further reassure local residents that we will continue to monitor the situation and take further action if necessary.”

Anyone with information about anti-social behaviour or suspected drug activity in their neighbourhood can report information online, use online web chat, or call our non-emergency number 101.

Alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit their website.

You can use our community voice platform ‘echo’ to let us know what you think we should be prioritising in your area. Your feedback will help towards shaping our local policing priorities, initiatives, and campaigns. Visit echo and tell us what you think.