Suspected drug users thrown out of flats with police court order SEALED OFF FOR THREE MONTHS
POLICE have obtained a court order to close two flats in a city centre street because of alleged “antisocial behaviour and drug activity” by the tenants and their visitors.
The order, which was granted at Leicester Magistrates’ Court, means both properties, in Newtown Street, near HMP Leicester, will remain sealed up for three months.
This means nobody, including the tenants, can go inside them.
The closures are the latest example of Leicestershire Police taking action in response to reports of drug activity in Newtown Street and neighbouring West Street and Tower Street.
Earlier this year, five people were arrested in a single morning during a series of raids, codenamed Opera
tion Electrode.
Also, city centre officers secured a similar closure order from the courts against a tenant in West Street.
Residents say the sustained police activity is beginning to pay off.
One said: “Late last year was when the police seemed to take a determined stance and decided to do something about the people who were causing the problems in this area.
“We’ve had a flats closed and that has definitely helped.
“One of two troublemakers who we used to see here a lot has moved on - to make people’s lives a misery somewhere else presumably.
“Others have ended up in trouble with the police and been arrested.
As far as I know, one or two of the regular visitors are in prison at the moment.”
They said police officers regularly patrolled the area, adding: “You’ll see police officers here most days and I don’t know how many streets can say that.”
Inspector Adam Archer, commander of city police, said: “We know antisocial behaviour and drug use is concerning for residents who live in this community, which is why we are taking these reports seriously and taking the relevant action.
“This is the second order we have successfully been granted for this particular area, which confirms our ongoing commitment to tackling this issue.
“I am pleased that the orders have been granted and I hope this gives some reassurance to those who live in the surrounding area, as well as those who visit and work there.”