Hartlepool police shut down access to two houses over complaints of 'drug dealing and anti-social behaviour'

Members of the Hartlepool Community Safety Team attended Teesside Magistrates’ Court on Monday, March 2, to apply for closure orders on two addresses, one in the Burn Valley and the other in the Foggy Furze area of Hartlepool.

The team says applications were made after increased complaints from the community about drug-related activity and associated anti-social behaviour affecting resident’s quality of life.

A closure order was granted for 26 Charterhouse Street to run until Monday, April 13 this year, while a closure order was also granted for 37 Brenda Road, which will run until Monday, June 1.

The orders make it a criminal offence for any person to enter or remain in the properties save for those exempted by the court such as the landlords and their agents in order to complete improvement work.

A breach of the order is punishable with a fine of up to £5,000, imprisonment up to 51 weeks or both.

Sergeant Ian Raine, of the Hartlepool Community Safety Team said: “These addresses have been closed down due to complaints received of drug dealing and antisocial behaviour.

"We actively pursue all information that we receive in relation to community issues and we will always look to take positive action where appropriate to improve residents quality of life.”

Anyone who witnesses the order being breached should call the police on 999 or they can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111