Town Centre premises closed down by police

Police officers in Herford have secured a closure order on an address in the town following multiple calls about anti-social behaviour.

The order was granted by Stevenage Magistrates' Court yesterday (14th September) and prohibits anyone from entering the address in Maidenhead Yard for the next three months.

Anyone who is not authorised to be there will be arrested and could face a fine of up to £5,000, a prison sentence or both.

Police began to investigate the address after they received information that it was being used for drug taking and dealing. There were also multiple complaints about anti-social behaviour.

Despite warnings from police, the behaviour escalated.

Officers subsequently worked with local residents, enabling the Community Safety Unit to compile a 110-page document that was presented to the court. It evidenced:

• Loud music and drunken behaviour from the property
• Abusive and intimidating behaviour against other residents
• Loose dogs from the property roaming freely
• The smell and use of drugs from the premises

Sergeant Nathan Howson from the Community Safety Unit at Hertford said: "This closure order will hopefully send a message that this type of behaviour will not be tolerated.

"Anyone with information about anti-social behaviour or drug activity in their neighbourhood is urged to please report the details to us so that we can take action to make your community safer. Your calls can make a real difference."

Inspector Mark Collins from the East Herts Safer Neighbourhood Team said: "The effect of anti-social behaviour in the local area has been devastating for these local residents and I thank them for their support. Working with our partners at East Herts Council we have ensured that the residents can start getting some deserved peace without living in fear."