Magistrates have ordered a rented home to be evacuated and closed for three months after hearing reports of drug-dealing and anti-social behaviour.
Teesside Magistrates agreed earlier today (Thursday 6 October) to a Closure Order application from Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council that the rented property at 7 St James’ Court, Grangetown, be closed and residents ordered to leave.
The court heard evidence provided by the Council who have worked closely with police that there had been drug dealing at the address involving people entering the property at all hours of the morning, loud altercations at the house, children reported missing found at the address and weapons and unlicensed bikes seized.
There were also offences of assault both inside and outside of the property which is in a state of disrepair. The lives neighbours have been made miserable, the court heard.
The female tenant has 48 convictions in relation to 69 offences. The court was also told that a warrant for arrest of the tenant’s partner was executed at the property in July this year which led to his conviction for possession of heroin and Class C drugs.
The court heard that there were also arrests in June involving drug dealing and police found Kinder eggs filled with £5 or £10 crack cocaine deals inside, with each Kinder egg holding around 40 -50 deals. Males within the address are known to carry Rambo style knives down their trouser leg for protection.
Anti-social Behaviour Officers at the Council had worked with police and community members for a period of months to gain evidence for the court.
Inspector Neil Deluce from Redcar & Cleveland Neighbourhood Policing Team, said:
“It is entirely unacceptable for people to carry out behaviour like this and make the lives of our law-abiding citizens a misery. We will take action against anyone who behaves in this manner; whether that be removing someone from an address or putting them before the courts to answer for their behaviour.
“This successful closure order is another example of where we have listened and worked with partners to act on that information. We would urge anyone suffering from issues such as these to come forward and speak with us, either by calling 101 or by calling Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”