Three month closure order granted on drugs den

News Desk
Authored by News Desk
Posted: Saturday, July 2, 2016 - 11:36

A three month closure order has been granted on a flat that was used as a drugs den.

The order, which was applied for by the Community Safety Partnership of Plymouth City Council’s Anti-Social Behaviour Team and the Devon and Cornwall Police, is for the flat at 12 Valletort Place Flats. Plymouth Magistrates granted the closure order following complaints of alleged drug use and drug dealing, resultant crime and disorder and a recent drug-related death in the area. It follows a 14 day closure notice on the property.

The closure order forms part of an ongoing crackdown on crime and anti-social behaviour in the city and the Council is working in partnership with Devon and Cornwall Police and other public and private housing providers.

Councillor Dave Downie, Cabinet Member for Safer and Stronger Communities for Plymouth City Council, said: “We welcome the court’s decision to grant this closure order as it sends out a clear message that we will not tolerate drug use and drug dealing in the city, or the crime and anti-social behaviour associated with it.

“We will continue to work with Devon and Cornwall Police and local housing providers to tackle this and we thank them for their continued support. Congratulations to our own team here at the Council as well.

“We would also urge any local residents suffering similar issues not to suffer in silence, but to report them, as we will take action.”

Chief Superintendent Andy Boulting of Devon and Cornwall Police said: “It is very pleasing to see the granting of a closure order in respect of premises where the behaviour of residents and visitors is causing so much distress and pain. We care very much about people living in our communities and will not tolerate it when our communities are directly affected by the criminal actions and anti-social behaviour of a minority. The impact of such harmful activity on local communities and the safety of residents is distressing and must be tackled robustly to keep people safe from harm. My hope is that this order will now free more people from the fear and suffering created by the inconsiderate, selfish and disgraceful behaviours of a few irresponsible and uncaring individuals.

“I am very proud of the way the local authority, police, fire and other partners work together and tackle these issues, these cases are a blight on our proud city. It is vital that the work done to deal with crime and disorder associated with prolific offenders and harmful locations and premises is progressed and prosecuted rigorously, we are committed as a city to do this and tackle those responsible whatever the challenges.

“There are many communities helped and premises dealt with without the full escalation to the legal system and people should feel confident that the local community safety partnership and individual agencies are keen to listen to, work with and support people who are affected by crime and anti-social behaviour.

“We want to hear if you are affected by these issues so that we can help safeguard you and those people harmed especially when they are the vulnerable in society.”

If you wish to report anti-social behaviour you can do so by emailing asbu@plymouth.gov.uk or calling 01752 307049.

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