Bedfordshire Police Officers have secured a three-month extension on a partial closure order issued on an entire block of flats in Bedford.
The closure was the first of its kind and was secured as part of ongoing partnership work to tackle crime in high rise flats.
At the end of July, a partial closure order was issued on an entire block of flats at Chandos Court.
Read: Another property in Chandos Court is closed
This meant that only residents, authorised visitors, and support workers could enter. This original order was due to expire on Friday (30 October).
On Tuesday (27 October), Police secured the extension at Luton Magistrates’ Court for both the partial closure order on Chandos Court and also full closure of two addresses inside the tower block.
Eight people have been arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs from the day of the initial closure.
Three people have also been dealt with for breaching the partial closure order.
Partners working to improve the area and residents’ lives
Bedfordshire Police say they have increased proactive patrols in the area and bpha staff have been stationed at the property, while Bedford Borough Council has supplied CCTV.
There is also a new Neighbourhood Watch Scheme of Chandos Court in the areas, and health coaches are helping to improve the health and wellbeing of residents.
“We are very happy with the results from court.” said Inspector Samantha Hunt from the Bedford community policing team.
“We know that residents were becoming anxious as to what might happen next, but we want to reassure them that we will continue to work closely with our partners in order to protect our community.”
“Reporting crime to us, even at a low-level basis, is invaluable in building an intelligence picture as to what is really happening in an area, and in this case has helped to shape the activity and outcome of our work.
“We hope the extension of the partial closure order will provide some comfort to residents that we are committed to investigating these issues and stamping out organised crime and exploitation in our community.”
You can report concerns around drug activity and wider anti-social behaviour via the online reporting tool on Bedfordshire Police’s website.
You can also contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111
Chandos Court residents who would like to join the Neighbourhood Watch Scheme please email office@bedfordnw.org.uk or visit www.ourwatch.org.uk.
Those interested in improving their health & wellbeing please can also contact Community Referral online at www.yourwellbeingbedfordshire.org.uk/help/ or speak to their Housing Officer.