House in Gateshead closed after drug finds, weapons, and community complaints. Police acted to ensure safety.
The police received complaints about the house from neighbors in the Coxon Terrace area of Felling. Police arrested a man and a woman for drug possession, but they were later released. More problems happened at the house last month.
Gateshead’s police team acted quickly, working with other agencies and using legal powers to stop more issues. A closure order went into effect, and officers boarded up the house on January 31.
The order bans entry for three months, with exceptions for landlords, council staff, and emergency services. Anyone else entering will face arrest and will also go to court.
A police sergeant thanked the community, stating that their reports helped stop the crimes and that drug crime is unacceptable. He affirmed that police will work with local partners to keep communities safe, urging people to report suspicious activity.
A council member, Maria Hall, added that local teamwork led to the order, protecting people from drug crime. She stated that Gateshead had 77 drug deaths between 2021 and 2023, double the national rate.
These deaths affect many people, and removing drugs may prevent more deaths. Helping people recover from addiction is key to helping the community.
People with crime information should contact police via social media, the police website’s “Report” section, or by calling 101 if those options are unavailable. Call 999 in emergencies.