Closure order secured for HMO linked to anti-social behaviour – Croxley Green
Residents in a Croxley Green cul-de-sac have praised police for securing a closure order on a problem property.
The house of multiple occupancy (HMO) in Gade Bank had been linked to chronic anti-social behaviour which had made neighbours’ lives a misery. Reports to police included playing loud music, aggressive behaviour and suspected drug taking.
The full closure order, which was granted at St Albans Magistrates’ Court on Friday 17 October, states that no-one is allowed to enter the property for the next three months. Anyone breaching the order faces arrest.
Inspector Ben Harper, from the Three Rivers’ Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “We have achieved this positive outcome thanks to the diligent work of neighbourhood officers, the Community Safety Unit and our partners, but we would not have been able to do this without the support of the residents of Gade Bank.
“They have been patient and supportive as we worked to find a resolution for this issue, which was having a hugely negative impact on those living in the vicinity. We’d like to thank them for their assistance and the positive feedback we’ve received following the implementation of the order.
“Now the property is off-limits for the next three months and neighbours can have some much-needed respite while we work towards a more permanent solution. I hope this action serves as a warning to those who engage in and facilitate anti-social behaviour: we will not hesitate to seek these orders and put a stop to your criminality.
“If you have information about crime and anti-social behaviour in your neighbourhood, please tell us. Every report is taken seriously and helps us to build up the evidence picture we need before we can take action.”
You can report information online at herts.police.uk/report, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat at herts.police.uk/contact or call the non-emergency number 101.
Alternatively, you can stay 100% anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form at crimestoppers-uk.org.