Bracknell

For the second time in a month, Bracknell police and their partners have closed a “crack house” using the new Anti-Social Behaviour Act of 2003.

The closure of the property in Tarnbrook Way, Crown Wood, yesterday (15/5) was the result of close co-operation between Bracknell police officers and the Bracknell Forest Community Safety Team, along with the letting agency which manages the property.

An order to close down the property was granted at Bracknell Magistrates’ Court yesterday (15/5), where Inspector Simon Bowden and PC Terry McKean, neighbourhood officer for Crown Wood, gave evidence.

On Thursday 11 May, Supt. Mike Ismay, silver commander for Operation Falcon*, authorised the issuing of a closure notice, which led to yesterday’s court hearing.

The closure notice was issued to the tenant of 16 Tarnbrook Way on Sunday (14/5) by PC McKean.

The property will now remain boarded up for up to three months and anyone caught inside, or attempting to get in, will be arrested. Police can return to court and get an extension of the closure order for a further three months if necessary.

Insp Simon Bowden, who has worked closely with Sgt Steve McSweeney and PC McKean, Bracknell neighbourhood officers, to bring about the closure, said: “No 16 Tarnbrook Way is a privately-owned property in a quiet residential street. Over the last three months, neighbouring residents have found used syringes in their bins, as well as being subjected to loud noise and constant comings and goings.”

No 16 Tarnbrook Way is managed by a private leasing company, which will not be named. However, their representative said that the company fully supports the closure and wishes to emphasise that it will not tolerate any illegal or anti-social behaviour in its properties.

“I plan to use this legislation as often is needed,” said Insp Bowden. “Anyone using or dealing Class A drugs from their home can expect a visit from the police.

“The public can help us by providing information about people and premises involved in crime. Call us on 0845 8 505 505, or if you would prefer to remain anonymous, call the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.”

*Falcon is a campaign to stamp out Class A drug dealers, reduce drug-driven crime and disorder, and to enhance treatment opportunities for addicts in Berkshire East.

The triple-edged campaign was launched by police and their partners in March.

Falcon is the BCU’s new long-term initiative, aimed at improving the quality of life for residents across the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, Slough, and Bracknell Forest.

Thames Valley Police ~ Bracknell