A CRACK house has been closed by police as part of an operation to tackle the use of crack cocaine and other Class A drugs. The house, in Coventry Close, Stevenage, was closed using the first drugs closure order granted in the town under the Anti Social B

A CRACK house has been closed by police as part of an operation to tackle the use of crack cocaine and other Class A drugs.

The house, in Coventry Close, Stevenage, was closed using the first drugs closure order granted in the town under the Anti Social Behaviour Act 2003.

This was obtained at Stevenage Magistrates' Court on Tuesday by police officers from the town's community team.

The order will remain in force for three months during which time nobody will be allowed to enter the premises except the current female tenant and her one-year-old son, who are not linked to the issues surrounding the address, unless granted authorisation by the police.

The property is owned by Stevenage Borough Council.

It had been attracting "serious nuisance behaviour" following complaints from neighbours. The council's tenancy enforcement team worked alongside the police in obtaining evidence for the order.

Stevenage community team's Sgt Jason Thorne said: "This is the first time that we have used this power in Stevenage but it certainly won't be the last.

"The closure order sends out a clear message to people thinking of dealing Class A drugs that it will not be tolerated.

"People need to be aware that we will not only pursue them criminally if they are involved in Class A drug dealing and supply but also their homes could be at risk.

"The residents of Coventry Close have endured abuse and anti-social behaviour over recent months and I thank them for their co-operation and patience."

The council's executive councillor for community safety, Bob Clark, said: "We will continue to lead on efforts to keep Stevenage one of the safest places in the country to live, work and visit."

If you have any information about where drug dealing is taking place or who is involved you should contact the police's Crack Crime Drug Line on 01707 354695 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111. All calls are confidential and you do not have to give your name.

You can also pass information securely and anonymously online. Visit

www.herts.police.uk and follow the links on the Operation Crystal pages. Information given this way is untraceable.