Teesside Magistrates has ordered the closure of 18 Duke Street, Hartlepool, following months of drug activity and anti-social behaviour. The court granted a three-month Closure Order on 1 October 2026, following an application by Hartlepool Borough Council on behalf of the Hartlepool Community Safety Team.
What happened at the property
The court heard that since the beginning of 2026, the tenant of the privately rented property allowed persistent criminal and anti-social behaviour to take place there. This included the supply of Class A, B and C drugs, with numerous people visiting throughout the day and night, often into the early hours of the morning.
Visitors were observed arriving by car, on foot and on bikes, staying for short periods before leaving. Some appeared to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Discarded bags associated with drugs and alcohol cans were found nearby.
Neighbours reported threatening behaviour, fighting, shouting and screaming in the front and back streets surrounding the property on numerous occasions.
Police action
Cleveland Police executed two separate warrants under Section 23 of the Misuse of Drugs Act in June and August 2026. Both warrants resulted in the seizure of Class A, B and C drugs as well as drug paraphernalia.
What the Closure Order means
The Closure Order prohibits access to the property by anyone other than those specifically authorised. The court awarded £1,485 in costs.
Council and police response
Councillor Amanda Napper, Chair of Hartlepool Borough Council's Neighbourhoods and Regulatory Services Committee, said: "People have a right to feel safe and secure in their own homes and neighbourhoods. They should not have to put up with drugs, fighting, threats and disruptive behaviour on their doorstep."
She added: "This property had become a focus for persistent criminal and anti-social behaviour, and this Closure Order sends out a very clear message that we will take action when the behaviour of individuals causes misery for the wider community. This result also demonstrates exactly why partnership working is so important."
Hartlepool Neighbourhoods Inspector Adrian Dack said: "Following warrants executed at the address for drug dealing, I'm pleased that the court has granted this closure order for three months. The neighbours in this street should not have to live with the drug dealing activity at this address, and the antisocial behaviour, fighting and violence associated with it. Hopefully the closure will make residents in the street feel safer."
