Police shut down property in Ipswich after complaints and drug arrests

A house in Ipswich has been shut down by police after neighbours complained of suspected drug dealing and antisocial behaviour.

Suffolk Constabulary carried out a warrant at the property in west Ipswich in August and seized wraps of heroin and crack cocaine along with a large sum of cash.

A woman aged 45 from Ipswich and a 17-year-old boy from Dagenham in London were subsequently arrested on suspicion of possession of Class A drugs with intent to supply. They have both been released under investigation.

Today, Suffolk Constabulary was granted a closure order by the courts.

No-one will be allowed into the property for three months without permission from police.

The home owner, a vulnerable 74-year-old man who has lived there for 10 years, will move with in his family in another part of the country.

Pc Danny Thompson, part of the Ipswich antisocial behaviour team, said: “For the last year and specifically since May this year there has been a large amount of complaints from members of the public that there has been suspected drug dealing and antisocial behaviour by way of violent incidents.

“There was violence and other acts of antisocial behaviour so much so that a drugs warrant was conducted on August 5 this year.

“Class A drugs were found and people associated with drugs dealing.

“As a result of the impact on the community and finding the drugs it was decided that the police would apply for a closure order.”

He added: “I think it’s a success for the police and I think we are helping the community and the vulnerable person.”

Sergeant Stuart Curtis praised members of the public for coming forward and providing evidence, which had helped police secure the closure order.

He added: “This shows the residents we are listening to them and we can do something about it, talking to us helps.”