23 Oct 2023
A London Colney property linked to prostitution, suspected drug activity and anti-social behaviour has been sealed shut for three months.
The property, a flat in High Street owned by the district council, now has a full Closure Order, which was granted at St Albans Magistrates Court on Thursday under the Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014.
For the next three months, the only people permitted to enter the property are SADC agents and the emergency services.
St Albans Police’s Community Safety Unit (CSU) assisted SADC community protection officers following reports about the flat being abandoned by the tenant but then sub-let to a woman who was suspected of being involved in prostitution and anti-social activity at the property which was having a detrimental effect on neighbours.
Prior to the order being granted, SADC, CSU and officers from the local Safer Neighbourhood Team worked together to gather evidence.
Sgt Mike Saunders, from St Albans CSU said: “No-one should have to put up with this kind of behaviour on their doorstep and we hope this provides some respite from the ongoing issues suffered by neighbours. Anyone who breaches the terms of the order could face arrest, a fine, imprisonment or both.
“Our Safer Neighbourhood Team colleagues will continue to regularly patrol the area and we have asked neighbours to report any breaches of the order to us as soon as possible so we can take further action if required.
“If you have information about suspected drug activity, vulnerable occupants and anti-social behaviour in your neighbourhood, please don’t hesitate to report it to us. We will take it seriously and do all we can to prevent it from adversely affecting your quality of life.”
Visit bit.ly/police-stalbans to report offences.
