(Image: Cleveland Police)
A North East property linked to months of criminal and anti-social behaviour has been shut down.
The address, 18 Duke Street in Hartlepool, was at the centre of drug activity, violence, and persistent disorder before being closed under a three-month court order.
Teesside magistrates granted the closure following an application by Hartlepool Borough Council on behalf of the Hartlepool Community Safety Team.
The court heard that since the beginning of 2026, the tenant had allowed ongoing criminal and anti-social behaviour, including the supply of Class A, B, and C drugs.
People were seen arriving by car, bike, and on foot at all hours, staying briefly before leaving.
Some visitors appeared intoxicated, and discarded drug bags and alcohol cans were regularly found nearby.
Repeated complaints described fighting, shouting, and threats involving both visitors and occupants, often spilling into surrounding streets.
Police executed two warrants under Section 23 of the Misuse of Drugs Act in June and August 2026, seizing drugs and related paraphernalia.
The closure order was granted for three months, with £1,485 awarded in costs.
Cllr Amanda Napper, chair of Hartlepool Borough Council’s neighbourhoods and regulatory services committee, said: "People have a right to feel safe and secure in their own homes and neighbourhoods.
"They should not have to put up with drugs, fighting, threats and disruptive behaviour on their doorstep.
"This property had become a focus for persistent criminal and anti-social behaviour, and this closure order sends out a very clear message that we will take action when the behaviour of individuals causes misery for the wider community."
Cllr Napper said the outcome showed the value of partnership working.
She said: "Hartlepool Borough Council, Cleveland Police and our other partners have worked together to gather the evidence and take decisive action to protect residents.
"We will continue to listen to communities and use the powers available to us wherever necessary to tackle criminal and anti-social behaviour."
Inspector Adrian Dack of Hartlepool Neighbourhoods said: "Following warrants executed at the address for drug dealing, I’m pleased that the court has granted this closure order for three months."
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"The neighbours in this street should not have to live with the drug dealing activity at this address, and the antisocial behaviour, fighting and violence associated with it.
"Hopefully the closure will make residents in the street feel safer."
A closure order prohibits entry to anyone not specifically authorised, with breaches carrying a maximum penalty of six months in prison or an unlimited fine.