Hartlepool Drug Den Shut Down by Court Order Amid Safety Fears...

The property at 27 Lowthian Rd was close dby a court order this week

The closure order marks yet another problem property in Hartlepool that plagued the lives of locals shut down as its claimed more closure orders will be made.

29th May 2025

A Hartlepool flat that's long blighted a local community with violence, drug dealing and anti-social behaviour has finally been shut down following action.

Teesside Magistrates Court this week granted a three-month Closure Order on the ground-floor flat at 27 Lowthian Road, acting on evidence brought forward by the Hartlepool Community Safety Team—a multi-agency partnership involving the council and police, with the court ordering the tenant Tammy Wilmot to pay £1,834 in costs.

The move follows whats claimed to have been 'months of complaints' from local residents, many of whom were said to have been living in fear and disgust at the daily parade of criminal activity outside their homes from the problem property. The flat is located on a busy route was said to be used by families and schoolchildren, raising serious questions over how it was allowed to deteriorate for so long.

According to evidence put before Magistrates, the flat was a hive of activity for drug users and dealers, with visitors arriving at all hours by foot, e-scooters, bicycles and cars. Locals reported blatant drug dealing taking place in the alleyways, whilst others shouted through the letterbox to score drugs—turning the street into a scene from a crime drama.

But the situation wasn’t just said to have been 'disruptive'—it was dangerous, with the property said to have been the site of violent incidents, including a stabbing to the face, and occupants reportedly brandishing swords and knives. In another chilling event, its claimed windows were smashed with a golf club, signalling escalating tensions and a potential threat to nearby households.

In a statment put out by Cleveland Police, Breach of the Closure Order is a criminal offence, with penalties of up to six months in prison or an unlimited fine, with Locals being encouraged to report any criminal activity in relation to the property by calling Cleveland Police on 101, or 999 in emergencies. Alternatively, tips can be submitted anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.