Legal News

Kettering Borough Council and Northamptonshire Police are working together to disrupt the drugs trade in Kettering by closing down properties that are being used for the supply of Class A drugs.

The council said that in recent weeks a series of Closure Orders had been obtained for council properties, after council officers presented evidence to the court that criminal activity and associated anti-social behaviour would not stop unless the properties were closed.

Northamptonshire Police have also obtained an order for a property – each order is valid for three months and makes it a criminal offence for any person, including the tenant or occupant, to enter the address.

The council said that Magistrates were satisfied that it was necessary to make the orders, so that persons engaging in disorderly, offensive or criminal behaviour could be prevented from entering the premises.

Where properties are owned by the council, Kettering Borough Council said it was immediately making further applications to the court to evict tenants.

Head of Housing John Conway said:

“Drug dealers and their associates have the potential to inflict serious damage on communities, as well as destroying lives.

“Kettering Borough Council and Northamptonshire Police will not tolerate this and have taken decisive action to close down properties where the drugs trade is operating – where we have the evidence, we will continue to do so in the future.”

Inspector Julie Mead from Northamptonshire Police added:

“People dealing drugs and committing anti-social behaviour can have a significant impact on nearby residents – and we are determined to tackle those people whose actions have such a detrimental impact on other people’s lives.

”We have been working closely with Kettering Borough Council to gather evidence and present it before the courts in order to obtain these closure orders and will continue to do so.

”I would urge anyone with concerns about drug use or anti-social behaviour to report it to us on 101. Alternatively, concerns can be reported to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Duncan Lewis Criminal Solicitors – Drugs Offences

Duncan Lewis Criminal Solicitors can advise at any stage of a charge involving drugs offences, including possession, supply, or manufacturing or distributing Class A and Class B drugs or psychoactive substances.

There are Duncan Lewis offices across England and Wales – and a Duncan Lewis criminal defence solicitor can usually reach a police station for interview under caution within an hour.

For expert legal advice on all drugs offences, call Duncan Lewis criminal solicitors on 0333 772 0409.

For 24/7 help at a police station, call the Duncan Lewis Solicitors 24-Hour Emergency Helpline on 0333 772 0607.