Solihull property made subject of Closure Order as a result of related drug offences

A property in Solihull has been made the subject of a Closure Order as a result of drug offences related to the address.

Ian Roberts, 25, failed to appear at Birmingham Magistrates Court on 14th January, having been served with a Closure Notice for the property at 27 Merton House, Crabtree Drive, Fordbridge.

Following a search of the property on 23rd December 2015, a Closure Order was applied for after West Midlands Police found drug related paraphernalia at the address.

The Closure Order, obtained under the Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014, prohibits entry to the address for the next three months, during which time Solihull Community Housing (SCH) will apply for possession of the premises.

There was strong evidence connecting the finds at Ian Roberts’ property with similar drugs related discoveries at his brother Jake Herbert’s flat at Mansfield House in Chelmsley Wood – which was searched by police on the same day.

A Closure Order was also obtained on 5th January for the Mansfield House property, again lasting for a period of 3 months.

Cllr Karen Grinsell, Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities & Partnerships, said: “We do not tolerate any criminal drug related activities and are continuing to clamp down on offenders in Solihull.

“I am pleased to see the Council working in partnership with SCH and West Midlands Police to protect the local community and ensure Solihull remains a safe, pleasant place to live.”

Fiona Hughes, Chief of Operations at SCH, added: “We work very closely alongside the Police to tackle any drug related issues on our estates.

“Anyone convicted of any drug related offences will clearly be in breach of their tenancy and are therefore likely to lose their home.”

Read more: http://www.solihull.gov.uk/news/ArtMID/820/ArticleID/1063/Closure-Order-obtained-for-Solihull-property