POLICE MOVE IN TO SHUT DOWN 'CRACK HOUSE'

DEESIDE police have obtained a closure order on a house in
Shotton.

Flintshire magistrates sitting at Mold yesterday agreed the closure
order for the address at North Street, Shotton, amid allegations and
concerns from nearby residents that it had been used for drug dealing
and drug taking.

The order means that the occupants will be unable to
return.

Deeside Inspector Darren Wareing yesterday served a notice upon the
occupants and officially closed the property for a minimum of three
months.

It is the seventh time that police in the Eastern division have
successfully obtained the closure of a house because of alleged drug
dealing - but it is the first in the Flintshire area for many years.

Inspector Wareing said: "The premises has now been closed following a
covert operation by officers, which resulted in drugs warrants being
executed."

He added: "This, coupled with anti-social behaviour in the area
relating to the premises, resulted in the closure order being
supported by magistrates today."

"I would personally like to thank the local residents for their
co-operation which helped secure this order. Drug-related anti-social
behaviour will not be tolerated by the police and local community,
and I would urge anyone that may have information regarding drug
crime contact us immediately."

Inspector Wareing added: "This is a huge step forward for police at
Deeside. It can be difficult to enforce orders such as this but the
closure of this property shows that drugs and drug related crime will
not be tolerated. We will continue to work alongside the housing
department at Flintshire County Council to target properties such as
this one in the local community and they will be closed."