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I wanted to provide you with an update regarding Drugs and related issues, which people around your area have highlighted as an issue of concern on the priority survey. Yesterday afternoon (Thursday 22 October), officers in the New Forest served a full closure order on a flat in New Milton, following collaborative efforts between the Neighbourhood Policing Team and partners, including New Forest District Council.
Earlier in the day, Southampton Magistrates’ Court was presented with the evidence gathered by police, demonstrating the level of anti-social behaviour and drug-related activity at the Fraser Court property on Marryat Road.
A three-month full closure order was granted following the application submitted by Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary.
That followed extensive work by police, council and other agencies, in response to reports made to us regarding anti-social behaviour and drug use at the address.
Specifically, known criminals were attending the property at all hours of the day and night, with a significant amount of disruption caused by those visitors to innocent members of the community.
During the period the closure order is in place, it is an offence for anyone other than those authorised on the court order to enter or remain in the property.
Local Bobby, PC Danny Tuckey, of New Milton Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “We hope that this closure order demonstrates to the people of New Milton, and the wider New Forest area, how seriously we take reports of repeated anti-social behaviour and drug-related activity, which we know makes the lives of local residents a misery. We do not underestimate the impact that this has on those who have to live with it daily.
“This closure order is a step forward for the local community, as it ensures that the people persistently involved in this type of activity cannot return to the address. If they do they will be liable for arrest and prosecution, which could result in up to six months in jail, a fine, or both.
“We know from speaking extensively with local residents that the activity associated with this address has had a significant impact on them, and I sincerely hope that this will now start to improve. We are grateful to the local community for their support with this matter and urge them to keep reporting any issues to us.
“We are also thankful to our partners, particularly those at New Forest District Council, whose efforts have helped to ensure the closure of this property in complex and challenging circumstances.
“Please keep reporting information to us about anti-social behaviour and drug-related activity by calling 101 or visiting the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary website, as every piece of information we receive helps us to develop the bigger picture and take positive action.”
New Forest District Council ASB & Neighbourhood Manager, Chris Pike, said: "We have supported Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary's application for a Closure Order following ongoing concerns regarding anti-social behaviour and suspected criminal activity linked to the address.
“This action forms part of a coordinated partnership response to protect the local community and improve residents' quality of life. We welcome the court's decision and will continue working closely with the Police and other partners to monitor the situation, support affected residents, and take robust enforcement action where necessary.
“We would encourage anyone experiencing anti-social behaviour or witnessing criminal activity to continue reporting incidents, as this information is vital in helping agencies take effective action."
As well as the above contact details, you can also make reports, 100% anonymously, by calling the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or by visiting the below link;
Independent UK charity taking crime information anonymously | Crimestoppers
Details of free drug treatment and support can be found at the below link;
Home - Inclusion Hants
 The illicit drugs market is big business, worth an estimated £9.4 billion a year and drug deaths have reached an all-time. Taking the health harms, costs of crime and wider impacts on society together, it is estimated the total costs of drugs to society are over £19 billion, which is more than twice the value of the market itself. If you are adversely affected by antisocial behaviour in your community associated with drug use, The Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 outlines the flexible tools and powers that the police, local authorities and other local agencies can use to respond quickly and effectively to antisocial behaviour. If you ever experience this issue or have information regarding an incident, please report it using our online reporting tools at www.hampshire.police.uk, or call the non-emergency number 101. Alternatively, you can stay 100 per cent anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form at crimestoppers-uk.org. Get Involved Please consider getting involved by registering for these messages, this will enable you to contribute to the local priority survey. We may be unaware of issues that you would like us to focus on. Take a few minutes to securely and privately register and have your say using the button below, this will mean we can focus on things that matter to you.  Please click here to complete the survey
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