A Watford house that was closed after being linked to chronic anti-social behaviour is now off-limits for another three months thanks to partnership working.

An initial three-month closure order for the property in Hemming Way was issued in March 2023, but yesterday (June 15) saw police granted an extension to the order after they presented additional evidence.

The house was the subject of repeated calls to police from exasperated residents reporting anti-social behaviour and suspected drug dealing at the location.

They worked together with both Watford Borough Council and Watford Community Housing, the organisation that owns property, to gather evidence for the second full closure order application, which was subsequently granted at St Albans’ Magistrates Court.

The order prohibits anyone – other than the emergency services, and utility companies in an emergency – from entering the premises for twelve weeks.

Anyone who breaches this order could be arrested, with further action taken against them.

Watford Observer: Watford MP Dean Russell attending the warrant on March 16Watford MP Dean Russell attending the warrant on March 16 (Image: Hertfordshire Constabulary)

Inspector Dan Jones, who leads the Watford Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “Following the initial closure order, the occupants of the property were relocated but sadly they continued to return to the area and cause misery to those that live nearby.

“The evidence provided to us by residents has ensured that we, the police, and our partners at the council and housing trust have been able to work together to extend the closure for the duration of the summer.

“Hopefully this will bring some long-term respite to the community, whilst repossession proceedings relating to the property commence through the civil courts.

Watford Observer: Images released by police after raid in Hemming Way Images released by police after raid in Hemming Way (Image: Hertfordshire Constabulary)

“We hope this result sends a strong message that we will not tolerate this type of behaviour. While we cannot achieve instant results, please rest assured that we will do everything in our power to utilise the tools made available to us by law.

“If you have information about suspected drug activity and anti-social behaviour in your neighbourhood, please don’t hesitate to report it to us because we will take it seriously.”

On March 16, Hertfordshire Constabulary carried out a warrant at the house in Hemming Way after two mopeds had previously been found there.

Officers seized bolt cutters, a cannabis plant, and numerous phones while raiding the home.