Police close suspected drugs den in Birmingham flat
POLICE have slammed the door shut on a suspected drugs den blighting a Birmingham community.
Officers were given permission to board up the flat in Foxton Road, Alum Rock, after listing a catalogue of complaints about activity there.
Two people have now been barred from entering the property for three months under threat of arrest.
Under so-called "crack house" laws, police are allowed to close premises menacing the local community and officers said it highlighted their get tough approach to anti-social behaviour.
Insp Darren Walsh, from Nechells Green police, said they had taken action after receiving intelligence that people were using the premises to take drugs.
"This led to an increase in the fear of crime in the area and the perception of crime can often have more impact than the reality and is harder to deal with," added Insp Walsh.
Class A drugs and paraphernalia were discovered in a raid on the flat last month.
Insp Walsh said that following the raid frustrated residents came forward to tell of the impact that anti-social behaviour at the flat were having on their lives.
Police worked with Birmingham housing officers to investigate the complaints and gain evidence to support a closure order, granted by Birmingham magistrates recently.
Praising the help from the community, Insp Walsh added: "We received intelligence to suggest the premises was being used for the consumption of Class A drugs.
"There were two people living in the flat but there were a lot of comings and goings throughout the day and night and people drawn to the area.
"The anti-social behaviour caused the residents to feel unsafe. The support local people have given us has been important, this will be a huge respite for them."
Giants signs were placed on the doors of the flat and council workmen were due to board up the doors and windows.
Insp Walsh added: "It sends out a positive message that police will work with their partner agencies to deal with such issues. We will not tolerate the use of Class A drugs or anti-social behaviour."
f=XClearfaceGothicLH-Bold CRIME: oPair barred from 'crack house' after complaints of anti-social behaviour
f=XZapfDingbatsno NO ENTRY... PC Chris Jones at the property in Foxton Road, Alum Rock. |Picture: Roy Smiljanic
Photo ref: RS180308POLICE-04
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