‘Drug den’ tenant turfed out of Gateshead property by court

A house linked to ongoing anti-social behaviour and other suspected criminality has been served with a closure order by magistrates following joint partnership working between police and the local authority.

Gateshead West Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) received numerous complaints from residents regarding activity taking place at an address on East Lea, in the Winlaton area of Gateshead.

An investigation by officers connected a range of crimes to the property, including the supply and possession of drugs.

Officers teamed up with representatives from Gateshead Council to use civil legislation powers to prevent further issues.

The tenant has now been banned from entering the address after a closure order was secured from magistrates.

Following the granting of the order, officers returned to the house and boarded it up to ensure that no-one can gain entry.

Sergeant Warren Sturrock, of Northumbria Police, said: “Officers and the local authority had been receiving continuous reports about activity taking place at this address. No-one should have to put up with this kind of behaviour on their doorstep.

“Jointly, we have dealt with the issue swiftly and robustly by securing a closure order against the property.

“We hope that this outcome has a positive effect on residents and the local community and it also reassures them that we won’t hesitate to take decisive action.”

Sgt Sturrock added: “We would not have been able to secure this closure order if it was not for the support of the Winlaton community, so this shows the value in reporting concerns to police.

“It also demonstrates how effective working with partners can be and I want to thank Gateshead Council for their support.”

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Councillor Angela Douglas, Chair of the Gateshead Community Safety Board, said: “This closure order is another example of the benefits of a strong and effective partnership between Gateshead Council and Northumbria Police, demonstrating both organisations’ commitment to protecting the safety and wellbeing of our communities.

“It also highlights the important role that local residents can play in tackling crime and anti-social activity in their neighbourhoods and I hope that the action taken here assures people across Gateshead that we will act on the information they provide.”

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness, said: “Tough, effective action like this has to be taken when it comes to unwelcome behaviours like this, and I am so pleased for the neighbours living near this property who have clearly had to put up with a lot.

“Anti-social behaviour can be very damaging to a neighbourhood and I fully support our police officers and the council in using every tactic available in fighting crime – it won’t be tolerated.”

The closure order, under the Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014, was heard before Newcastle Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, October 12.

The order prevents anyone from entering the property for three months aside from employees and agents of the landlord, members of the council or the emergency services.

Any breach of the order could lead to a criminal prosecution that would see a possible prison sentence or fine.