Police close down crack house

POLICE at Warrington have taken action to close down a “crack house” in the town following complaints from neighbours.
Officers submitted a closure notice under Section 2 of the Anti-Social Behaviour Act in respect of the house in Boydell Avenue, Latchford at North Cheshire Magistrates Court.
Magistrates granted a “crack house closure order” which means that no-one is allowed to enter the house for a period of three months.
Anyone who does enter the house is liable to arrest and up to six months in prison, or a £5,000 fine or both.
Police have been working hard to rid the area of drug dealers and drug users and the associated anti-social behaviour linked to their illegal activities for some months.
Residents of Boydell Avenue have suffered from drug dealers and users using the local area and the house in question as a focal point for many months.
The court action is intended to support the residents and send a very clear message to any community that drug dealing in any form will not be tolerated in Latchford.
Sgt Becky Stokes, of the Warrington South Neighbourhood Policing Unit, said: “We would like to thank local residents who have provided intelligence and information which has made today’s action possible. “Quality of life for our community is of paramount importance – our action in this instance has demonstrated our commitment.
“We are currently looking at other addresses in the Warrington South area, which information and intelligence indicates are being used for the use and supply of controlled drugs. We will use these powers again to stop the addresses being a focal point for drug crime.
“We are committed to protecting the community from drug related crime and anti-social behaviour. Any resident involved in this type of crime should be aware that we will take action against them which could ultimately leave them homeless and facing a lengthy prison sentence.”