Police reveal number of closure orders for drug-related anti-social behaviour in 2022

The number of closure orders on properties across the Avon and Somerset region for 2022 have been revealed by the police force.

Last year, they say 24 of the orders were enforced on drug-related cases - and 14 of those were in Bristol, thanks to their work on the Home Office-funded Project ADDER team.

Project ADDER - which stands for Addiction, Diversion, Disruption, Enforcement and Recovery - was launched back in 2021 to reduce drug-related crime, deaths through holistic methods of intervention.

The closure orders

The recent closure orders form part of Avon and Somerset Police’s work to tackle the significant impact that drugs and drug-related crime have on our communities.

The force have revealed these cases often involve vulnerable people who may be involved in substance misuse themselves, or being exploited by those using their property.

Oftentimes, Class A drugs are prepared at these properties by organised criminals.

Street dealers are then known to use grooming techniques to establish themselves within the homes of vulnerable people or drug users at risk of exploitation, a process otherwise known as 'cuckooing'.

In some cases, the vulnerable people who are exploited can see the lure of 'free' drugs as an overwhelming reason to allow dealers into their homes.

Anti-Social Behaviour Coordinator, Paul Crouch, said: “Drug-related anti-social behaviour can be hugely distressing for people in our communities, especially those living next to or near to a property involved. We get a huge response from members of the public who have been impacted by these issues, who are always incredibly grateful for giving them their community back.

“It is rare that those we take action against are grateful for our involvement, but the trauma and chaos that their lives may involve can prevent them from realising the benefits until many months later when our team’s interaction with them has ceased. Some people have stated that having action taken against them has caused them to rethink their future in a more positive light, even while they accept that change will be very hard and complicated for them.”

Cases are reviewed in partnership with the police, local councils, adult social care, mental health support services, and drug use referrals.

These organisations work together to identify the best course of action and any safeguarding risks that are present.

Interventions can include Community Protection Notice warnings, which can exclude people from attending certain properties and areas, and referral to support services and treatment.

Community Protection Notices can also be issued, and would mean that individuals are liable to arrest, a fine and a Criminal Behaviour Order, which can lead to up to five years in prison if the Notices are breached.

Once a closure order is granted, the residents affected will be assessed by the council’s Homelessness team and then pathways into alternative housing and treatment for drug use or poor mental health are offered and strongly encouraged.

You can find out more about closure orders here.

If you are experiencing ASB or drug-related problems in your community, you can report it here.

You can also report it anonymously to Crimestoppers.

You can also Talk to Frank.

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• avon and somerset police