Police shut down crack house (From Daily Echo)

Magistrates grant Hampshire Police order to shut down drugs den on Isle of Wight

11:38am Thursday 6th December 2012 in News

Poilce have shut down a house they believe was being used as a crack den.

Officers have now officially closed a property in Shanklin after a Crack House Closure Order was granted by magistrates on the Isle of Wight.

Yestereday, Isle of Wight Magistrates issued a closure order against 132 Regent Street in Shanklin, under the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003.

The order means that no-one can enter the property for three months, and during this time, it is a criminal offence for anyone to enter the address unless authorised by police.

Southern Housing now intend to apply for full repossession of the property before the order expires.

Sergeant Paul Jennings, of the Safer Neighbourhoods and Partnership team said: “It’s very uncommon that we have to apply for any premises to be closed using this specific legislation on the island.

" I would like to thank all of the residents who came forward to assist us with this legal process. They showed real courage and will now be able to benefit from a quality of life that we all deserve”

The property is owned by Southern Housing Group, whose Isle of Wight Regional Director Paul Cotton said, “It was pleasing to see local police officers working alongside Southern Housing Group’s Anti-social Behaviour Team to secure the closure.

"This property’s closure keeps local residents safe and demonstrates the value of partnership working within the community”

Chief Inspector Nick Heelan said: "This is further evidence of Isle of Wight Police working with other partners to address drug related issues that effect law-abiding residents and neighbours."

Anyone with information should contact their local Safer Neighbourhoods team in confidence on 101.

Information can be left anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.