Maidenhead & Windsor

For the first time, Maidenhead police and their partners have closed a “crack house” using the Anti-Social Behaviour Act of 2003.

The closure of the property in Abingdon Walk, Furze Platt, today (19/7) was the result of close co-operation between Maidenhead police officers and the Royal Borough Community Safety Team, along with Toynbee, the housing association which owns the property, and local residents.

An order to close down the property was granted at Maidenhead Magistrates’ Court today, where PC Dave Higgs and PC Stuart Holt, neighbourhood officers for Furze Platt, gave evidence.

The closure order follows a search warrant carried out by officers at the property on 21 May, during which evidence of Class A drug use was found, and evidence of anti-social behaviour reported to police by the community.

Supt Mike Ismay, commander of Windsor and Maidenhead local police area, authorised the issuing of a closure notice on 10 July, which led to today’s court hearing.

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.

Supt Mike Ismay, who has worked closely with PC Higgs and the Maidenhead neighbourhood team to bring about the closure, said: “This is a good example of neighbourhood policing responding to concerns raised by residents. Drug crime and anti-social behaviour are significant priorities for police in Windsor and Maidenhead. I plan to use this legislation as often is needed. 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. Pinkneys Green residents can also contact their neighbourhood team via neighbourhoodpinkneys@thamesvalley.pnn.police.uk.”

Maidenhead PC Higgs said: “There had been an on-going problem with this property. Residents reported undesirable people coming and going and hanging around, which made them fear for their safety. It is thanks to the community providing us with information, and partnership working between the police, the Royal Borough and Toynbee housing association, that this closure was achieved.”

A representative from Toynbee said the housing association fully supports the closure and wishes to emphasise that it will not tolerate any illegal or anti-social behaviour in its properties.

A representative of the Royal Borough's Drug and Alcohol Action Team said this closure sent out exactly the right message to those who seek to damage our communities by using premises in this way. This closure is a good example of how our residents can benefit from coordinated work by partners.

Operation 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 Maidenhead police and their partners in March 2006.

Falcon is the BCU’s 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 ~ Maidenhead