Guildford ‘Crackhouse’ Closed by Police and Housing Association

Published on: 16 Aug, 2012
Updated on: 17 Aug, 2012

Police officers post a notice of closure on the ‘crackhouse’ premises at Dapdune Court, Woodbridge Road – Photo John Schluter

A ‘Crackhouse’ was closed in Guildford today (16 Aug) following joint action by Surrey Police and the Home Group Housing Association.

They successfully obtained an order to close down 7 Dapdune Court, Woodbridge Road. Class A drugs were being used on the premises.

The order, which bans anyone from entering the property, was made under the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003 following evidence that the address was associated with high levels of disruptive behaviour. Surrey Police and Home Group Housing Association provided Magistrates with evidence of such behaviour including noise nuisance, violent behaviour and drug use by the occupant and his associates.

Guildford Borough Commander Matt Goodridge said: “Local residents have continued to have their lives blighted by the unacceptable behaviour associated with this property and I hope the community will benefit from the closure order served today.

The closure notice

“The purpose of the notice is not only to help the community affected by the persistent behaviour but to offer support to those involved and help them permanently change their behaviour. I hope this order will send out the message that anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated by Surrey Police and we will take positive action to ensure residents can live in a safe and peaceful environment. In this case we were able to make use of the Hearsay Act which allows residents to give evidence anonymously to bring offenders to justice.”

Michelle Bundell from Home Group Housing Association said: “Both Home Group and Surrey Police worked closely with the local community to gather evidence of anti-social behaviour against this individual. With the community’s help and support, we were able to act quickly and effectively to remove the problem and enable the local community to return to normal. This action demonstrates that behaviour of this nature will not be tolerated within our communities.”

The notice is in place until 13th November 2012 and anyone seen entering the property will be arrested and is liable to receive a fine or face a custodial sentence for breaching the order.

Another crackhouse located in Park Barn was closed by police in April. On that occasion police action was taken jointly with Guidford Borough Council.

Police ask for anyone who has information on anti-social behaviour in their area and/or requires some help and advice should contact their Surrey Police Safer Neighbourhood Team by calling 101.