Police secure closure order on Watford HMO linked to crime and disorder

A multi-occupancy address in Watford plagued by crime and disorder is now off limits after police secured a closure order through the courts.

In the six months since the property on Vicarage Road was set up as a house of multiple occupancy (HMO), police have received several reports of theft, assault and anti-social behaviour linked to the address and those residing there. Weapons have also reportedly been seen.

The Community Safety Unit (CSU) worked alongside neighbourhood and response team officers, Watford Borough Council and the building’s management company to collate evidence and apply for a closure order.

It was granted at St Albans Magistrates’ Court on Friday (20 March) and prevents anyone* from entering the six-bedroomed address for three months. Anyone who does so faces arrest.

The property will then be handed back to the management company for refurbishment.

CSU Sergeant Karl Diggins said: “Removing someone from their home is always a last resort. However, we were left with no choice but to seek this order to provide some much-needed respite for the local community.

“I hope this reassures residents that we are listening to their concerns and taking action. I also hope it serves as a warning to anyone involved in crime and anti-social behaviour, that we will not hesitate to seek these orders.

“If you have information about crime and anti-social behaviour in your neighbourhood, please don’t hesitate to report it to us. Every call is taken seriously and helps us to build up the evidence we need to take action.”

You can report information online at herts.police.uk/report, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat at herts.police.uk/contact or call the non-emergency number 101. Always dial 999 in an emergency or if a crime is in progress.

Alternatively, you can stay 100% anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form at crimestoppers-uk.org.  

* Except the emergency services, or staff/contractors from the management company.