Three month Closure Order secured to prevent anti-social behaviour at a flat in Guildford

Officers from the Guildford Safer Neighbourhood Team assisted by the ASB Team and Home Group have secured a three-month Closure Order against 41 Dapdune Court on Woodbridge Road.

The Full Closure Order was granted on Wednesday 28 August under Section 80 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Disorder Act 2014 by Guildford Magistrates’Court.

Sergeant Sam Turner from the Guildford Safer Neighbourhood Team said: “This sends a clear message that drug-related anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated in Guildford and we will work with partner agencies to ensure that we use all of our available powers to maintain our zero-tolerance approach to these issues.

“Residents in the surrounding area have suffered four years of drug related anti–social behaviour, due to the tenant and her associates using 41 Dapdune Court as a place to congregate and engage in drug related activity.

“A Partial Closure Order was issued in July 2018 for three months where only the tenant was allowed to stay in the flat, and help and support was provided to her by other agencies. However, Guildford Magistrates Court heard how she failed to engage with the support which had been offered – and that the anti-social behaviour soon resumed once the Partial Closure Order was lifted.

“Residents were left scared and intimidated after witnessing violent disturbances at the address and being subjected to verbal abuse and threats. They had to endure loud music being played at the address until the early hours of the morning and were also frequently disturbed by the number of visitors coming and going from the address at all hours of the day and night. In addition, the communal spaces were used by visitors to take drugs and drink. Rats had been observed on the balcony of the flat raising hygiene concerns for the other residents.

‘I’d like to thank the local community for their support as we carried out regular patrols and the hard work of Anti-Social Behaviour specialist Lucy Lumsden, who helped us to build a clear picture of what was happening at Dapdune Court. I’d also like to thank Home Group for their ongoing support. We will continue to work in partnership to prevent any subsequent issues when the Closure Order expires”.