Guildford Magistrates Close Flat Used as Drugs Den For Four Years

Published on: 4 Sep, 2019
Updated on: 7 Sep, 2019

PCSO Hannah Storey stands infront of the closure orders posted on the front door of 41 Dapdune Court

A flat in Guildford persistently used as a drugs den has been closed, by order of the magistrates’ court.

The three-month full closure order of the flat at 41 Dapdune Court on Woodbridge Road was granted to police from the Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT), assisted by the ASB Team and Home Group, under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Disorder Act 2014.

The order denies lawful access to any unauthorised person including the tenant.

Map showing location of Dapdune Court – Google Maps

SNT Sergeant Sam Turner said: “This sends a clear message that drug-related anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated in Guildford and we will work with partner agencies to ensure we use all our available powers to maintain our zero-tolerance approach to these issues.

“Residents in the surrounding area have suffered four years of drug-related anti-social behaviour, due to the tenant and her associates using 41 Dapdune Court as a place to congregate and engage in drug-related activity.

“A partial closure order was issued in July 2018 for three months where only the tenant was allowed to stay in the flat, and help and support were provided to her by other agencies. But she failed to engage with the support offered, and the anti-social behaviour soon resumed once the order was lifted.

“Residents were left scared and intimidated after witnessing violent disturbances at the address and being subjected to verbal abuse and threats. They had to endure loud music being played until the early hours and were also frequently disturbed by the number of visitors coming and going from the address at all hours.

“In addition, the communal spaces were used by visitors to take drugs and drink. Rats had been observed on the balcony of the flat, raising hygiene concerns for the other residents.

‘I’d like to thank the local community for their support and the hard work of anti-social behaviour specialist Lucy Lumsden, who helped us to build a clear picture of what was happening at Dapdune Court.

“I’d also like to thank Home Group for their ongoing support. We will continue to work in partnership to prevent any subsequent issues when the Closure Order expires.”