A Margate house linked to drug-dealing and anti-social behaviour has been closed down through work by Kent Police.
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A three-month closure order for the property in Westfield Road was granted at Margate Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 25 October 2023. It was seen as necessary to prevent the anti-social behaviour from continuing.
Under Section 80 of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, the order prevents anyone other than the landlord visiting the property during that period, or else risk a custodial sentence or an unlimited fine.
Officers from the force’s Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) Team took action against the property after receiving reports of drug-dealing on or near the premises. It was reported that there was a constant flow of people visiting the address both by vehicle and on foot at all times of the day and night, and both verbal altercations and physical fights had been seen.
Sergeant Dan Bartlett from Kent Police’s ASB team said: ‘Our officers will work with local police and key partners to identify premises which are being used to commit ASB and in turn having an effect on the community. I am pleased that this order will give respite to local residents and enable us to work further with housing officers to prevent any future crime and disorder at the property. We understand the effects this behaviour can have on those in the vicinity and we will use all powers available to us to respond robustly and to bring cases to court.’
Anyone who find themselves affected by ASB should report it via the Kent Police website (or by dialling 999 if a crime is in progress).