Crack Den Closed Down in W5

Police, council and local community involved in investigation

A crack house in Church Place, W5, which had caused problems for local residents has been closed down and anyone found entering it could now face arrest.

The closure order was granted by Ealing Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 28 November.

The property has been secured. Anyone caught in the premises will be arrested by the police for breaching the closure order.

Investigations began after the council’s safer communities team were approached by the tenant’s family with fears for their relative, who is vulnerable. The council worked with the local police problem solving team to determine what was happening at the property. This included work with residents and local businesses who also shared concerns about the house. As a result of the investigations, the police executed a drugs warrant and found a substantial quantity of class B drugs at the house, which were seized.

Councillor Ranjit Dheer, cabinet member for community services and safety, said: ''This operation is a great example of the council and police working together. With the support of the local community we were able to work with the local police and our community safety team to get a great result. Drugs and all its associated crimes are not welcome in this borough and we will continue to support the police to use the full weight of the law to take action.”

Sharon Heyes, Chief Inspector (Partnership and Neighbourhoods) for Ealing Police said:

“This property has had a serious detrimental effect upon the lives of residents within this borough. This order will enable those residents to feel safe and sends a clear message that premises causing these levels of anti-social behaviour in Ealing, will not be tolerated by police. This sends a clear message that those who use their houses, or allow their houses to be used, in this way, will be prevented from doing so under this legislation."

Police investigations are ongoing.

1st December 2014