Court orders problem property on Marlborough Street to be closed down

A court has granted a Closure Order in respect of a Hartlepool property linked to persistent criminal and anti-social behaviour, including reports of the supply of Class A drugs from the property.

The application brought by the multi‑agency Hartlepool Community Safety Team relates to 6 Marlborough Street, where it is alleged that the tenants of the property have allowed serious disorder to take place at the address. Court costs totalling £1,624.24 have been awarded.

Teesside Magistrates Court heard how the property has been a constant source of criminal activity, with alleged drug dealing occurring throughout the day and night. Visitors frequently attended the front door shouting for attention, with packages believed to contain drugs being passed through the letterbox or thrown from an upstairs window. Some visitors were arriving as often as every ten minutes, often continuing well beyond 11pm.

Reports also detailed that crack cocaine was being sold from the address and that people were seen to be in the possession of weapons at the property.

This case forms part of the Hartlepool Community Safety Team’s ongoing work to tackle drug‑related activity, violence, and anti‑social behaviour in residential areas across the town.

Neighbourhood Policing Inspector Adrian Dack said: “The drugs activity at this address, and the noise and antisocial behaviour that comes with that, has caused misery for other people living on this street.  Working together with partners and the local community, we have managed to secure a closure order on these premises, which should come as a welcome relief to other residents.  Without the constant stream of visitors to the house at all hours of the day, hopefully the community will feel much safer.”

Councillor Owen Riddle, Hartlepool Borough Council’s Chair of Neighbourhood and Regulatory Services Committee, said: “The behaviour linked to this address has caused significant fear, disruption and distress to law‑abiding residents living nearby. This action is another clear example of how effective partnership working within the Hartlepool Community Safety Team is helping to protect communities safeguard those affected by serious antisocial behaviour and crime.

“We continue to urge residents to report concerns to Cleveland Police via 101 or 999 in an emergency or to Hartlepool Borough Council at [email protected]. Reports can also be made anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

The maximum penalty for breaching a Closure Order is six months’ imprisonment and/or an unlimited fine. Anyone witnessing a breach should contact Cleveland Police on 101- or 999 in an emergency or report anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.