Closure order extended on Watford flat linked to drug crime and anti-social behaviour

Police and partners have successfully secured an extended closure order on a Watford flat previously linked to drug crime and anti-social behaviour.

The flat on Leavesden Road is now off-limits for another three months after the original order – granted in November last year – was extended at St Albans Magistrates’ Court yesterday (Monday 19 February).

This result comes after additional partnership working between police, Watford Borough Council and Origin Housing, meaning nearby residents will now be given further respite from the drug crime and anti-social behaviour that was previously disrupting their lives.

The order was initially secured following the arrest of two men at the address during an early-morning warrant on Thursday 16 November 2023, where officers seized drugs, cash, weapons, e-bikes and a stolen vehicle. The raid was carried out at 6am by Operation Scorpion officers and the Safer Neighbourhood Team.

They found and seized a significant amount of heroin and cannabis, four knives, a stolen vehicle, cloned registration plates, cash, three electric bikes, and phones they suspected to be linked to county lines drug dealing.

A 19 year old man and a 17 year old male, both from Watford, were each arrested on suspicion of multiple offences at the time:

• Possession with intent to supply class A drugs (heroin)
• Possession with intent to supply class B drugs (cannabis)
• Possession of an offensive weapon in a private place (knives)
• Theft of a motor vehicle
• Theft from a motor vehicle (disabled badges)
• Fraud by false representation
• Affray (relating to an incident in Watford on Sunday 5 November)

They were both then released on conditional bail until Thursday 15 February 2024. They have been subsequently re-bailed until Thursday 16 May while the investigation continues.

Sergeant Karl Diggins, from the Watford Community Safety Unit, said: “We and our partners are very pleased to have achieved a three-month extension to the original closure order on this property; we work together to improve the quality of life for our residents, because no one should have to endure living close to those who commit crime and chronic anti-social behaviour.

“Proactive intervention such as this is vital to protect the vulnerable members of our community, bring offenders to justice and rid our streets of illegal drugs and weapons. We hope this latest development shows that we are committed to doing everything in our power to prevent violence 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.

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