By Swindon drugs gang fears prompt closure order
A Swindon address has been sealed off by police amid concerns the occupant was being ‘cuckooed’ by a drugs gang.
This follows a number of arrests at the property last week.
The order was sought by Wiltshire Police for an address in Axbridge Close and was granted by Swindon magistrates.
The order, which will remain in place for up to three months, means that anyone other than the residents named on the order is prevented from entering the property. By doing so, they are committing an offence and may be arrested.
Sgt Rich Fay said: “Closure orders enable us to protect residents and prevent drugs gangs entering the property and exploiting vulnerable people.
“The order will remain in place for three months – during this time we will continue to work with partner agencies including Swindon Borough Council, to come up with a long term solution to the problem.
“Wiltshire Police will continue to use closure orders as these are extremely effective ways of preventing crime associated with an address as well as protecting the resident who is very often vulnerable to being cuckooed.”
Cuckooing refers to the process whereby drugs gangs take over the address of a vulnerable person usually living in a rural area so that they can continue to sell drugs under the police radar – or so they believe. Often the occupants will be threatened with violence and on some occasions, may be forced to leave their homes.
If you have concerns that a neighbour or someone in your street is involved in drug dealing or is being cuckooed, you can call 101.
You can also report anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Contact Gi Swindon
Email us: news@gi-media.co.uk
Follows us on Facebook for all the latest local stories, breaking news and to join the conversation
