Police seal off house to combat drug crime

POLICE have "closed" a Rotherham house after it became used as a drugs den.
Temporary Insp Dave Struggles seals up the property on Dovercourt Road.Temporary Insp Dave Struggles seals up the property on Dovercourt Road.
Temporary Insp Dave Struggles seals up the property on Dovercourt Road.

They were granted permission to seal up the property by Sheffield magistrates on Friday.

The house on Dovercourt Road has been closed for an initial three months following concerns from residents relating to drug use.

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It s the first in Rotherham to be closed for suspected drug issues under the Antisocial Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014.

After the initial three-month period, officers and council staff can apply to the court for the order to be extended.

Temporary Insp Dave Struggles said: “Nearby residents had come to us with concerns regarding the potential use and supply of drugs in the area.

“The order, which was granted at Sheffield Magistrates’ Court on Friday, allows us to make the area a safer and more enjoyable place to live.

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“For the next three months, aside from one visit to collect property, the house will be closed to everyone.

“Both South Yorkshire Police and Rotherham Council are committed to tackling drug use across the borough, and the negative impact this can have on communities.

“This closure order would not have been possible without the cooperation and information provided by the people of Rotherham and I’d encourage residents who are struggling with any issues in their area to please contact us.

“If you come to us with information, or a problem that’s bothering you, we will act on it and take positive steps to disrupt criminal activity and improve the quality of life for our communities.”

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Rotherham’s Borough Council’s cabinet member for waste, roads and community safety, Cllr Emma Hoddinott, said: “We welcome the police using all the powers available to them, including closing houses where drug dealing is suspected.

“It’s important we tackle these issues which cause problems for communities and encourage local residents to work with us.”