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27 Jul 2012
Crackhouse closure in Winsford
A suspected drugs den has been closed down in
Winsford. On Wednesday 25th July, Cheshire Police
were successful in its application to close a residential property
in the town.
During a hearing at Crewe Magistrates′ Court, magistrates
approved a Closure Order (also known as a crackhouse closure) in
relation to 241 Crook Lane in Winsford after hearing a catalogue of
evidence from Winsford Neighbourhood Policing
Team and Northwich Anti-Social Behaviour Unit. The case was
presented to the court by a representative of the Cheshire
Constabulary Force Solicitors Office.
The Order was made under the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003,
which allows the closure of premises used in connection with the
production, supply or use of Class A drugs and
associated with the occurrence of disorder or serious nuisance. The
property, which is a semi-detached house, is privately owned.
The tenants, a man and a woman aged 37 and
51-years, were served a Closure Notice on Monday
23rd July.
The tenants must now leave the property and all windows and
doors will be boarded up for a period of 3 months. Anyone who
enters the house during that time is committing an offence and can
be arrested.
Sergeant Danny Haddock said:
The decision taken by the court today will help put a
stop to the anti-social behaviour that has blighted the
lives of local residents. It should serve as a
warning that people who choose to behave in this way can
lose their homes as a consequence of their behaviour. We hope that
the actions of police and partners from Cheshire West and Chester
send out a clear message that we will not tolerate
any sort of behaviour that has a negative effect on the quality of
life of others. These individuals were given opportunity in the
past to control and amend their behaviour and chose not to. They
will now have to live with the consequences of their actions.
- Sergeant Danny Haddock, Winsford
NPU
During the boarding up officers from the local Neighbourhood
Policing Team were patrolling the local area and
talking to residents. Large notices will now be stuck on the house
explaining why the property has been closed down.
Inspector Dave Snasdell added:
It is important to reiterate that the drastic action taken is by
no means a knee-jerk reaction − it has been carefully considered
following consultation with partner agencies and our force
solicitor. We will continue to work with the
tenants to try and address any ongoing issues and to
ensure that the relevant advice and support services are available
to them but similarly remain committed to tackling drug related
crime and disorder and anti-social behaviour. We continue to work
together to tackle both the causes and effects of drugs misuse.
Cheshire Police would all like to thank the local
community for its continued support − and, in particular,
to those people who gave the information, which led to this
closure.
- Inspector Dave Snasdell, Winsford
NPU
Anyone with any information in relation to drug related crime in
Winsford can call Cheshire Police on 101 or
Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Local men arrested and charged
In the early hours of Tuesday 24th July we took
a report of a man acting suspiciously in Mill
Lane, Winsford. A police patrol subsequently came across
two men both aged 22-years-old and conducted a
stop check. Due to items found in their possession they
were arrested on suspicion of going equipped for
burglary.
Following the arrests an extensive investigation has taken place
with addresses being searched for stolen property and forensic
enquiries being conducted. As a result the two have been
charged with numerous offences committed within the
Northwich and Winsford area. Four charges relate to theft from
motor vehicles, two to burglary others (garage & shed), a house
burglary and for going equipped for burglary. A further charge
relating to a drug offence has been laid against one of the
men.
One man has been granted bail to court the other who was
currently on licence from prison has had that licence revoked and
returned to continue his custodial sentence. This is an
excellent result for the police and the local
community and again shows the importance of reporting any
suspicious activity.
Summer security
In recent weeks Winsford has seen an increase in house
burglary, many occurring during daylight hours, the rise
in offences coinciding with the warmer weather. I would ask
residents to keep their homes and cars secure
during the summer months. As temperatures rise people feel the
temptation to leave windows and doors open during the day and
night. I would urge residents to remain
security conscious.
As the lighter nights and spells of warmer weather creep in,
there tends to be an increase in the number of ‘sneak in’
burglaries – where criminals take advantage of residents who leave
windows open, patios unlocked and doors ajar. I cannot stress
enough how vital it is for people to be security conscious and
maintain their personal security so criminals don't exploit the
opportunity of an open door or window to enter your home and steal
your belongings.
Simple security advice;
- Make sure that all windows are closed and
locked, even when you are at home or in the garden. Use
the security measures on modern windows, which allow them to let
some air in but still be locked.
- Thieves can make use of garden tools to force
open windows and doors so keep them locked
away.
- Keep all valuables out of the line of sight of
prying eyes. Never put car keys or purses on window-sills or in
view of a window or door. Always avoid keeping large amounts of
cash in your house.
- Do not leave valuables or equipment on display
in your car - take valuables with you or lock them away. Even a
pair of sunglasses on show can be appealing to a would-be
thief.
- Please be vigilant and report any suspicious
activity to police. If you have any information in relation to
burglaries in the area or see anyone acting suspiciously please
call Cheshire Police on ‘101’. This number can also be used to
speak to a crime reduction advisor for more information on how to
protect your home against criminals.
Regards,
Inspector Dave Snasdell
