Croydon Home Closure Order Leads to Two Arrests

A three-month closure order has been granted for a property on Sumner Road in Croydon, following concerns that it was being used for drug dealing. Police applied to Croydon Magistrates’ Court for the order, which banned anyone from entering the property unless they were residents, owners, or authorised personnel.

Officers returned to the address on August 27 after receiving information that the registered occupants might be at risk of exploitation. During their visit, they discovered two people inside the property, who were subsequently arrested on suspicion of breaching the closure order.

Court Proceedings and Fines

Both individuals were charged with breaching the closure order. At Croydon Magistrates’ Court, one suspect pleaded guilty to the offence. This individual was fined £66 and ordered to pay a total of £111, which included costs and a victim surcharge.

The second suspect denied the charge but was found guilty by the court. This person received a fine of £250, along with £350 for costs and a victim surcharge.

The initial closure order was granted after a drugs warrant was executed on August 4. Police had expressed concerns that the Sumner Road property was being 'cuckooed', a practice where criminals take over a person's home, often to use it as a base for drug dealing.