An NPH tenant was recently evicted in the Lakeview area of Northampton, following an extensive joint working operation led by our staff, for repeatedly allowing county lines drug activity in their property.

In February NPH colleagues formally carried out the eviction of the tenant which was the result of a lengthy legal process. Our officers had been compelled to act because the tenant was facilitating the distribution of Class A drugs from the council property.

Neighbours of the tenant expressed concern over the high number of visitors at unsociable hours and disturbances caused by heated arguments in the property. There was also a notable increase in drug paraphernalia being found in the surrounding area and neighbours expressed a fear over their safety due to the hostile environment.

Joint working with NPH, the Police and partner services identified that the address was the hub of drug related activity and measures were taken to address the issues. Investigations by our officers revealed that the tenant living at the address was vulnerable and subject to a degree of exploitation from gangs involved in county line activities. To safeguard the tenant, a multi-partner support plan was put in place and a move to a new council home was facilitated.

Unfortunately, despite extensive multi-agency support being provided, the tenant did not engage positively with officers and allowed their new address to be used for county lines activities. After several attempts to support the tenant were rejected, our officers had to take the needs of the wider community into consideration and ensure their safety and wellbeing was protected.

Ryan Surridge, NPH Head of Neighbourhoods, oversaw the process, he said: “Despite repeated efforts to provide the tenant with support and a clear path to sustain their tenancy, they chose not to engage. The continued drug-related activity posed a serious risk to neighbours and obtaining an eviction order became necessary. Safeguarding our communities remains our foremost responsibility.”

Subsequently, the address was made subject to a Partial Closure Order (which meant that no visitors to the property were legally allowed) and possession of the tenancy was successfully sought through the Courts which resulted in the tenant being evicted from council property.

Neighbourhood Policing Inspector Scott Farrant said: “We’re really proud to have worked alongside NPH in tackling the issues this tenant created and we hope that the local community has seen a tangible difference in the quality of the area as a result.

“Good neighbourhood policing is all about listening to our local residents and acting on their concerns and I hope this case demonstrates our desire to continue doing just that.”

What are county lines?

This case involved the tenant repeatedly allowing county line drug activity at their properties. County line activity involves drug gangs using a mobile phone line to sell and move drugs from cities into smaller towns and rural areas. These gangs often target children and vulnerable adults, using threats, manipulation or promises of money to force their involvement.

In Northampton, help is available for anyone who may be at risk. Northamptonshire Police offer guidance on spotting the signs of county lines exploitation and provide ways to report concerns or seek advice. The Northamptonshire Safeguarding Children Partnership also provides local information and resources on child criminal exploitation, helping professionals, families and young people understand what it is and how to get support.

If you have reason to believe that a neighbouring property is being used for county line drug activity, please report it using the links below.

Links:

Northamptonshire Police
www.northants.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/cl/county-lines/

The Northamptonshire Safeguarding Children Partnership
www.northamptonshirescp.org.uk/working-with-children-professionals/child-exploitation