A North East flat plagued by drug dealing and violent disorder has been shut down.
Stockton Council and Cleveland Police secured a three-month closure order for 15b Smith Street at Teesside Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (October 21).
The court heard that residents had witnessed a series of incidents of anti-social behaviour and criminal activity at the property over several months.
Smith Street, Stockton (Image: Stockton Borough Council)
Residents reported alleged daytime drug dealing through the flat’s letterbox and upstairs window, as well as in a nearby car park.
A stream of people was also reportedly seen visiting the flat at all hours, while witnesses regularly heard shouting and fighting from the property.
On one occasion, a group of men armed with machetes attacked the flat.
Litter, including drug paraphernalia, was also left around the property, while witnesses reported seeing people taking drugs in the nearby alleyway.
The closure order bans the tenants from entering and shuts the flat to everyone for three months.
The flat has now been boarded up, and anyone who enters could face prosecution.
Councillor Norma Stephenson, the council’s cabinet member for access, communities and community safety, said: “The anti-social behaviour linked to this property has been significant, causing alarm and distress for those living and working in the area.”
“We have listened to people’s concerns and have taken action, focussing on the priorities raised by our communities in collaboration with Cleveland Police.
“Our action today shows that we will not tolerate the anti-social behaviour of a small minority of people.”
The closure order was secured on the same day Cleveland Police carried out its latest phase of Operation Artemis across Stockton, targeting serious and organised crime.
The Northern Echo joined officers for raids, enforcement work and community engagement across the town after months of intelligence-gathering, including information from residents concerned about crime and anti-social behaviour.
By early afternoon, 16 people had been arrested in the operation.
16 arrests were made during raids throughout Stockton under Operation Artemis. (Image: Freya Cain-Metcalf)
Officers said residents’ information helps build the intelligence and evidence needed to act, and urged communities to keep reporting their concerns.
Cleveland Police Inspector Andrew Vickers said: “Cleveland Police will continue to work with local authority partners and housing providers to deal with those who persistently cause misery in their communities, whether that’s through repeated criminality, anti-social behaviour, or both."
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He added: “I’d remind residents that we always welcome information or evidence in support of our applications for house closure orders and they can be assured they can do this anonymously and without having to attend court.
“Their lived experience of issues can often help us assemble a compelling case to present at court and achieve a closure order - which then helps restore harmony in their neighbourhood."
Residents can report anti-social behaviour by emailing civic.enforcement@stockton.gov.uk or calling Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council’s Civic Enforcement team on 01642 607943.
Residents can report concerns anonymously and do not have to attend court.