The Isle of Wight made history of an unwelcome kind last week: it closed its first suspected crack house.

The suspected drug den was shut on 22 April after a joint operation between Medina Housing Association, Hampshire and Isle of Wight police and the island’s crime and disorder partnership. The action followed a death at the home, which is in a block of flats, on 20 April.

Island magistrates granted a three-month closure order after hearing evidence gathered by island police and the registered social landlord. They were told there had been many callers to the flat day and night, and people associated with the flat had been fighting and been abusive to passers-by in communal areas of the block. Discarded needles were also found around the entrance to the property.

The flat is suspected of having been used in connection with the unlawful use, production and supply of a Class A drug.

David Bull, senior housing officer at Medina, said:

“We raised the issue with police on Wednesday morning and by Friday lunchtime we had the flat secured and shut down. This is the first time a crack house closure order has been obtained on the island.”

Nicholas Evans, Medina’s acting head of housing, added: “Different agencies working together can get positive results to make the community a safer place.”

The Isle of Wight Crime and Disorder Partnership comprises local housing, health, government, criminal justice and private business bodies.

Source

Housing Today