Police have closed the doors on a drugs den in Lancaster.
Lancaster Magistrates granted the closure order after hearing how residents’ lives had been made a misery by anti-social behaviour taking place in and around the property in Lune Terrace.
The ‘crack house’ closure order was granted after the local neighbourhood policing team, working closely with officers involved in the recent Operation Nimrod drugs raids, gathered evidence relating to the behaviour of residents at – and visitors to – the property.
Complaints from those living near by included an excessive amount of people visiting the address at all hours and groups congregating outside. During an execution of a warrant at the property, drugs paraphernalia and evidence of drugs storage were discovered.
The property has now been secured and will remain closed for two months. During this time it will be an offence to remain in or enter the property. Anyone doing so is liable to up to six months’ imprisonment or a fine of up to £5,000 or both.
The closure notice has been posted on the property, giving details of the action that has been taken.
Speaking after the order was granted, PC Giuseppe Agliolo, community beat manager for the area, said: “Shutting down this property will have a really positive effect on those who live near to it as their lives have been blighted by the disruptive and anti-social behaviour going on at this address.
“I hope that this sends out a clear message from the police and our partner agencies that such behaviour will not be tolerated and we will use the available legislation to take action against those making residents’ lives a misery.”
He added: “I would like to thank the local community for supporting us in this action. Without their assistance, we would not have been successful in gaining this order. I would urge any residents who are experiencing similar problems to contact us, so we can work together to tackle the issues caused by drugs in our communities.”
• Anyone with information about drug dealing is asked to contact police on 01524 63333.