The Essex neighbourhood where people are banned from entering one home

A man was arrested on suspicion of supplying drugs and neglecting animals in a home he had been squatting in, in Harlow. A closure order been placed on a home in the Canons Gate area of Harlow after complaints of anti-social behaviour and activity linked to drugs.

A closure notice prohibits access to the premises for a period specified in the notice and may prohibit access by all persons except those specified, at all times and in all circumstances (or those specified). PC Emily Cross of Harlow Community Policing Team (CPT) worked with Harlow Council to remove the individual who was living there illegally and prevent him from returning.

After many reports claiming that a number of different people had been going in and out of the home, loud music, barking dogs, and concerns about smells and vermin, the case was investigated. The occupant was arrested on suspicion of drug supply offences and the neglect of animals. He is currently on bail.

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PC Cross said activity at the house had been causing disruption for residents for a considerable time: “The closure order means that the neighbourhood can breathe a sigh of relief. The activity at the house was damaging the quality of life of those living in surrounding properties and this was totally unacceptable. The house will now be returned to a liveable condition, ready for new tenants who will treat the home and the area with respect.”

Incidents of ASB in Harlow have fallen by 11.1% in 12 months and are down by 70% since 2019, and PC Cross said it’s an issue her team take extremely seriously: “Anti-social behaviour is a priority for our team and closure orders are one of the tools at our disposal to deal with it.

“Nobody should have to put up with feeling intimidated or harassed, ASB damages lives and communities, so if you witness ASB or are a victim of it, please report it to us or the council and we can help you.”