Hull: Urgent full closure notice granted following drug activity

An urgent full closure notice was granted by Hull Magistrates Court on Thursday 20 August, for a property on Beech Close, Hull following continual drug related anti-social and criminal behaviour taking place. The Hull Central Neighbourhood Team have been working closely with the public to gather enough evidence to shut the property down quickly and prevent the tenant and visitors from causing further disruption.

Community Beat Manager PC Tim McGowan said: “We are very pleased that the court has today accepted our full closure application for this problem property.

“A number of reports of drug dealing, violence and anti-social behaviour had come in relating to this address, all of which seemed to start when a new tenant moved in this May.

“These included visitors to the address trying to kick the door down to access the property and a nasty assault in which a woman was reportedly attacked by a group of men, leaving her with some painful injuries.

“We appreciate how much incidents of this nature can affect the surrounding community and their safety. It is absolutely not acceptable for other residents to feel unsafe in their own neighbourhood which is why we’ve continually taken enforcement action at the property, all of which has led us to then being able to apply for this full closure notice.”

On Thursday 11 June, a misuse of drugs act warrant was executed which resulted in five people being arrested on suspicion of supplying Class A drugs. We also recovered suspected Class A and B drugs upon searching, as well as a quantity of cash and numerous mobile phones.

On Wednesday 15 July, a second MDA warrant was executed resulting in 10 arrests on suspicion of supply of Class A drugs as well as seizures of suspected heroin, crack cocaine, drug paraphernalia, cash and mobile phones.

Those arrested were released under investigation, placed on bail or released without charge as our enquiries continued.

Despite enforcement action taking place, criminal and anti-social behaviour continued at the property.

PC McGowan continued: “As a Community Beat Manager I would like to express my gratitude for the strength and courage shown by residents who were willing to stand up to the criminality.

“The sends a strong message to criminals that the community will continue to support the closure of addresses and evicting of people causing harm and nuisance.

“Any property that is the centre of a number of crime reports or community information will have relevant action taken against it.”

If you have any issues surrounding ASB or crime in your area, speak to your local Neighbourhood teams or call us on our non-emergency number 101. Always call 999 in an emergency. Crimestoppers is an alternative for those who wish to report crime but would prefer anonymity and they can be contacted on 0800 555 111.