Police carry out drugs raids in St Helens
Officers target those who deal on the streets
Officers from St Helens town centre team have today (Wednesday, 16 September) executed warrants at 16 addresses and issued Closure Notices as part of an operation to tackle organised crime, drug dealing and anti-social behaviour.
The operation has been organised in response to information received from the community regarding street level drug dealing and the associated anti-social behaviour.
Closure Notices have been issued at 13 of the premises, with a view to closing them for a three-month period. This is the first time these civil powers have been used on this scale in the UK.
St Helens Town Centre Neighbourhood Inspector, Dave Brennan said: “Today’s operation has been targeted at the organised criminals supplying controlled drugs in the St Helens Central Area. We have acted on behalf of the vast majority of residents who have seen their streets blighted by drugs and anti-social behaviour and by criminals using these addresses to supply drugs. Nobody should have to put up with this and we will make sure that we help the decent residents take back their community.
“Today’s operation is about disrupting criminal activity and showing the community that we will continue to take action against everyone involved. We are extremely grateful to the large number of residents who were brave enough to come forward and provide vital evidence which has allowed us to conduct this operation.
“Information from the local community is vital in our efforts to tackle those involved in drug crime. As well as using our criminal powers, we are using civil powers today, with a view to close these properties for a prolonged period.
“These civil orders allow residents to enjoy the quality of life that they are entitled to, giving them some much-needed breathing space from those at these addresses who commit these types of crimes. This time also gives private landlords to look at other civil action they can take against disruptive tenants.
“I would continue to encourage residents to get in contact with any information about drug activity or anti-social behaviour to get in contact via 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
*Closure order - The order will be brought before St Helens Magistrates Court within a 48-hour period and will mean that no occupant can reside at the address. Anyone, other than those specified in the Order, found to be on the premises will be subject to arrest. The Orders normally run for three months and will be reviewed by officers at their conclusion.