A three-month closure order has been served on a flat in Wisbech following concerns around cuckooing.
Cuckooing is a term used to define a type of exploitation by drug dealers who take advantage of a person who may have poor mental health, uses drug or alcohol, or lives alone, by taking over and using their home to store, sell or use drugs.
The closure order was issued to 3 Prince Street by police on Friday (27 January) after a successful application to Cambridge Magistrates’ Court for the order to be in place until 26 April 2023.
The order states the premises is subject to a closure order as use of the premises has resulted, or is likely to result, in disorderly, offensive, or criminal behaviour.
It prohibits any person from entering the premises other than the legal tenant, managers of the property from Clarion Housing Association, emergency service workers and professionals who support the tenant.
Failure to comply with the order is a criminal offence which could result in imprisonment for up to three months, a fine, or both.
PC Matt Smart of Wisbech police, said: “Drug dealers often use high levels of violence and intimidation to control their victims.
“One of these forms of control exploits vulnerable people by using their home as a base for dealing drugs, known as cuckooing.
“We believe the tenant is being exploited by criminals which is why we have taken this step to safeguard him and ban those who take advantage of him from using the premises.
“I know this order will make a positive difference to the quality of life of the affected residents and should serve as a reminder to those who continue to make life a misery for their neighbours, that we will not tolerate it.
“We will take positive action and work in partnership to reduce this behaviour.”
Anyone with information about the closure order being breached should report to police online or use the web chat service. Those without internet access should call 101.
