Closure order secured on address in Borehamwood

A full closure order has been secured on an address in Borehamwood following numerous reports around crime and anti-social behaviour.

The Hertsmere Community Safety Unit (CSU) worked alongside Hertsmere Borough Council, Clarion Housing and various adult care services to take action, after the address was taken over by criminals who had exploited the vulnerable occupant.

People were using the property to take drugs, and money and personal property was stolen from the resident. Their car was also taken without consent and written off multiple times.

Partner agencies came together to safeguard the occupant and gather the necessary evidence to apply for a full closure order, which was granted at St Albans Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (14 November).

The order prevents anyone from entering the address for three months.

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

Claire Morris, from the Hertsmere Community Safety Unit, said: “This was a very sad case, involving a vulnerable resident whose home had been taken over by criminals, known as cuckooing.

“Not only was the occupant suffering at the hands of these people, but neighbours were also affected by the behaviour, feeling unsafe in their own homes.

“Working as a team, police and partner agencies were able to secure the order, providing much needed respite for the community and a new start for the occupant, who is now getting the care they need. Further investigations are continuing.

“I hope it reassures people that we do take action in these circumstances. If you have information about crime and anti-social behaviour in your neighbourhood, please don’t hesitate to report it to us. Every call is taken seriously and helps us to build up the evidence we need to take action.”

Cllr Christian Gray, Portfolio Holder for Communities, Neighbourhoods, Enforcement, Economic Development and Transformation at Hertsmere Borough Council, added: “Hertsmere Community Safety Partnership works together to keep the borough a safe place for all.

“This is an example of how we are working collaboratively to reduce anti-social behaviour and criminality within the borough. No-one should have to put up with this on their doorsteps and we will continue to help protect residents from this kind of behaviour.”

You can find out more about cuckooing on the Hertfordshire County Council website.

You can report information online, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat at herts.police.uk/contact or call the non-emergency number 101.

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.