Closure order secured for Hemel Hempstead flat

A Hemel Hempstead property linked to suspected drug activity and anti-social behaviour is now subject to a partial closure order thanks to the work of police and partners.

The Dacorum Community Safety Unit (CSU) took action following numerous complaints from residents about activity at the property in Hosking Court, supported by police intelligence.

The property is now subject to a three-month Closure Order, which was granted at St Albans Magistrates Court today (Wednesday 10 April) under the Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014.

It states that, for the next three months, the only people permitted to enter the address are Hightown Housing Association and its agents, and the emergency services.

Anyone who breaches the terms of the order could face arrest and a fine, imprisonment or both.

The CSU worked closely with officers from the borough’s Neighbourhood Policing Team and Hightown Housing Association, to gather evidence of the anti-social behaviour which was having a detrimental effect on neighbours.

Sergeant Craig Butler, from the Dacorum CSU, said: “We hope this result will provide some respite from the ongoing issues suffered by neighbours and improve their quality of life.

“Our Neighbourhood Policing Team colleagues will continue to regularly patrol the area, but in the interim we have asked neighbours to report any breaches of the order to us as soon as possible so we can take further action if required.

“If you have information about suspected drug activity and anti-social behaviour in your neighbourhood, please don’t hesitate to report it to us. We will take it seriously and we will do all we can to prevent it from adversely affecting the lives of decent, law-abiding people who live nearby.”

You can report information online, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat or call the non-emergency number 101. Always dial 999 in an emergency or if a crime is in progress.

Alternatively, you can stay 100% anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form.