Police placed a closure order on a home in Gravesend recently after neighbours complained of drug dealing and other anti-social behaviour.

Between March 2018 and July 2020 Kent Police regularly received reports of nuisance activity coming from an address in Norfolk Road.

On Saturday (November 7) the county police force said they had successfully secured a court-authorised closure order on the property in question after investigating the complaints further.

A spokesperson offered further details:

"Complaints of antisocial behaviour including drug dealing, criminal damage, numerous disturbances and verbal abuse towards neighbours were all received.

"The continued disruption allowed officers to successfully apply to Medway Magistrates’ Court for a Closure Order on Friday 6 November 2020.

"The order, which will be in place for three months, prohibits anyone from attending or living in the address – with the only exception being the landlord and authorised contractors.

"Failure to comply with the order risks arrest, imprisonment and/or an unlimited fine."

Sergeant Paul Diddams, from Gravesham’s Community Safety Unit, added that the woman residing at the address had "knowingly" allowed the aforementioned behaviour to continue despite outreach from the police.

"The woman living at this address knowingly and willingly allowed her home to be used by various people who committed anti-social behaviour while in and around the property, causing those living nearby to be fearful and unsettled.

"We made repeated efforts to engage with the woman but this was unsuccessful, which meant that the community continued to be subjected to unacceptable nuisance.

"The court order ensures the offending individuals are removed from the area and, while removing someone from their home is a robust step, the action taken is entirely proportionate," he said.