Anyone entering a notorious address in Watford could face prison after a closure order was secured.
Hertfordshire Constabulary was granted the full closure order for a home in Hemming Way by St Albans Magistrates’ Court on March 21.
It lasts for the next three months and prohibits anyone from entering. The force says anyone who ignores it will be arrested and could face a fine, a prison sentence, or both.
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Police began to investigate the address after receiving numerous calls about antisocial behaviour and drug misuse.
Officers then gathered evidence of the tenants’ “unacceptable behaviour” that they said was having a detrimental effect on neighbours.
Justine Hoy, from Watford Borough Council, said: “The council works closely with partners to reduce and prevent antisocial behaviour in the town which we simply do not tolerate.
“The closure order will bring relief to the community that have suffered from antisocial behaviour over a long period of time.
“Residents in the area were significantly impacted by this property and despite attempts to engage, there was no other option but to go down the enforcement route with the police.”
Last week, police confirmed they raided an address in Hemming Way on March 16 after two mopeds had previously been found there.
Officers seized items, which were related to alleged drugs, going equipped, and theft offences.
These included bolt cutters, a cannabis plant and numerous phones.
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Neighbours had claimed goings on at the house had turned the street into a “war zone” at times and regularly disturbed them.
Sergeant Phil Smith said: “Crime and antisocial behaviour has a devasting effect on local communities and no one should have to live in fear of their neighbours.
“We hope this result will provide some respite from the ongoing issues suffered by neighbours and improve their quality of life.
"This closure order will hopefully send a message that this type of behaviour will not be tolerated and we will seek to take action against those who cause misery for others.
"Everyone deserves to feel safe and happy in their home."
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