Closure order issued for Sheffield drug-dealing house described as a 'blight' by police

Police say the house, on Earsham Street in Burngreave, has been at the centre of drug dealing in the area for some time and has been the subject of multiple warrants.

Magistrates yesterday (Wednesday, November 27) granted a partail closure order to the local neighbourhood policing team which will remain in place until February 26 2020.

Sgt Ben Hall said: “This address has been a blight on the community for a very long time and has been linked to significant anti-social behaviour and drug use.

“The last warrant we carried out there was in October and we arrested five people for drug-related offences. They have since been released under investigation.

“People living in the area have highlighted the impact that drug-dealing and drug-related anti-social behaviour is having on their quality of life, and we have taken this incredibly seriously.

“Closure orders are effective as they mean that only the tenant and identified carers can enter the property. Anyone else who tries to do so could be arrested. Clearly we need to remain involved and we will actively patrol the area to monitor who is accessing the house.

“We are determined to take action against people in Burngreave and Pitsmoor who are dealing drugs, or are using properties to carry out illegal activity. This is the third address our team have closed in the last 12 months.”

Police also issued advice on spotting the tell tale signs of cuckooing, where a property is being used by drug dealers as a base.

They said victims of cuckooing are often vulnerable people who are subjected to threats of violence and it normally takes place in multi-occupancy or social housing properties.

Other signs include an increase in people entering and leaving, anti-social behaviour and littering or rubbish.

There may also be different cars and bikes outside, the curtains or blinds may be closed at all times and the property may get no visitors from healthcare or support workers.