Police use powers to close down Chester drugs den

A property in Chester which was being used as a local drugs den has been closed down thanks to the work of local officers.

On Wednesday 22 September officers from the local Beat Team attended Chester Magistrates’ Court where they were granted a closure order for a flat on Vicarage Road, Hoole.

The order, which was granted under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, was applied for by PC Matt Middleton and PCSO Keith Bartlett.

The pair have been working with local residents and have gathered a catalogue of evidence in relation drug related activities outside and inside the address.

As a result of their work the occupant of the premises, a 36-year-old man, has been ordered to leave the address and find alternative accommodation.

PC Matt Middleton said “We are very pleased with the granting of this order and grateful for all the support and intelligence we’ve received from the local community. 

"The action taken today not only reinforces the message that we are listening to what residents say, but also acts as a warning to others who believe it’s acceptable to behave in such a way.

“I have no doubt that the closure order is the right result for the community and it will have a positive impact on the area, enabling local residents to start to return to normality.”

The closure order makes it a crime for anyone other than the landlord to be at the house over the next three months.

Regular checks of the flat will be conducted at the flat to ensure the closure order is not breached. If anyone is found to have breached the order they are liable to arrest and up to six months′ prison, or a £5,000 fine, or both.

Inspector Brian Green said “This is great result for the local residents and demonstrates of how Cheshire police will react to intelligence received from the community.

“We take all reports of drug dealing and criminality in our neighbourhoods very seriously and where appropriate we will take positive action to disrupt and prosecute those responsible. 

“I want to thank the local residents for their support. Officers will continue to monitor the property over the coming months to ensure that there are no breaches of the order.”

Anyone with any concerns is encouraged to contact Cheshire Police on 101 or www.cheshire.police.uk/tua.

Alternatively information can be reported anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.