Basingstoke Crack Den Shut Down by Court Order
Basingstoke police have slammed the door on a notorious crack house after securing a Partial Closure Order on a flat in South Ham. The tidy victory sends a loud warning: drug abuse and anti-social behaviour won’t be tolerated in the town.
Partial Closure Order Hits Drug-Fuelled Flat
The order was slapped on a two-bedroom flat in Paddock Road following serious reports of County Lines drug dealing and chaos stirring in the neighbourhood. Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court granted the order on March 6, locking out everyone but the tenant, police, and health pros for three months.
Tenant Caught in ‘Cuckooing’ Nightmare
The tenant had been a victim of cuckooing — a vile tactic where criminals hijack vulnerable people’s homes for their own illegal activities. Thankfully, the tenant has now left the property, putting an end to the open drug haven.
“Anti-social behaviour was having a hugely detrimental effect on the local community,” said Sergeant Carl Holmes of Basingstoke Neighbourhood Team. “The court was satisfied criminal behaviour and serious nuisance was linked to the address, making the Order necessary. These Orders protect locals and offer support to vulnerable tenants.”
Hampshire Police Team Up with Housing Association
Hampshire Constabulary worked closely with Sovereign Housing Association to pull off the crackdown. “Making someone homeless is our last resort,” said Sovereign’s Anti-Social Behaviour Officer Rebecca Lemon. “But in this case, the partial closure was the best option. We’ll keep fighting anti-social behaviour alongside the police, hoping this sets a strong example for future cases.”
Speak Up Against Anti-Social Behaviour
If your neighbourhood suffers from anti-social antics, don’t stay quiet. Visit basingstoke.gov.uk/communitysafety. For help, call Hampshire Constabulary on 101 or dial 999 for emergencies and crimes in progress.
