Problem flat at centre of drug dealing and anti-social behaviour shut down

A property at the centre of drug dealing and around-the-clock anti-social behaviour which left residents "living in fear" has been shut down in Stockton.

Teesside Magistrates' Court heard that some residents living near the flat on Wembley Way were at times scared to leave their own homes and were "often kept awake all night" due to the constant noise.

Witnesses spoke of more than 100 people visiting the property a day, "often queuing up waiting to buy drugs", and of males and females "fighting in the street at all hours of the day and night".

Others claimed to have seen discarded needles and drug paraphernalia, as well as witnessing people urinating in the street.

In a statement from Cleveland Police, magistrates were told there was "ongoing dealing of drugs" from the property over the last two months and officers have carried out a number of raids at the address. 

Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, in partnership with Cleveland Police, yesterday  (Wednesday 9 August) secured a Closure Order on the one-bedroom flat, which will now be inaccessible to anyone for three months. 

Councillor Norma Stephenson, the Council's Cabinet Member for Access, Communities and Community Safety, said: "The shocking activities in and around this property at all times of day and night have made residents' lives a misery. They've  also caused countless sleepless nights, and residents have had enough.

"People have an absolute right to live their lives in peace and not be scared to leave their own homes or feel intimidated walking down the street.

"I hope this closure order, the second in Stockton this month, sends the message that this kind of behaviour will not be tolerated in our communities and brings relief to people living in the area.

"I'd like to thank our Civic Enforcement Officers for their hard work and dedication to help secure the closure order alongside the local policing team."

Stockton Neighbourhood Chief Inspector Jon Willoughby said: "My team works with both the public and partner agencies to combat drug dealing and the associated misery this causes to our communities.

"In July we executed a warrant at the flat on Wembley Way which resulted in three people being arrested and suspected crack cocaine and cannabis being seized.

"Due to the continuing issues at the address, we have then worked with our colleagues at Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council to secure and close the premises for three months.

"The results from the warrant and the closure order are another great example of our partnership approach and it also shows the public that we do listen to their concerns, and we will take action.

"Anyone with information regarding drugs activity in their area is asked to contact Cleveland Police on 101. Independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111."

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