A team effort between the community and authorities has helped close a crack house in Mill Hill.

The closure notice followed two raids on the two bedroom flat in April and May which uncovered drugs, weighing scales and other drug-related paraphernalia.

The raids were prompted by complaints from neighbours centring on a number of suspicious visitors arriving and leaving the property at all hours of the day and night, as well as reports of fighting in the flat.

On Wednesday 12 May 2011 Barnet Council, the Metropolitan Police and Barnet Homes went before Hendon Magistrates to obtain a crack house closure notice for the two-bedroom flat in Milespit Hill, Mill Hill.

On 10 April officers from Mill Hill Safer Neighbourhood Team were called to reports that the property had been broken into and found drugs and drug paraphernalia inside.

A 60-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of supplying crack cocaine and bailed to return to Colindale police station on 13th of July pending analysis of the suspected drugs.

Mill Hill Safer Neighbourhood Team sought a ‘Crack House Closure Notice’ order which was supported by Barnet Homes and Barnet Council.

The property has been boarded up and a three month closure order granted. Barnet Homes is seeking an urgent possession order of the property.

Cabinet Member for Community Engagement and Community Safety, Councillor Joanna Tambourides said: “By shutting this house we are sending a very strong message that hard drugs will not be tolerated on our streets and estates.

“This piece of work goes to show that a well-organised partnership between residents and the authorities is the key to driving out those dealers who wreck lives and neighbourhoods.”

Barnet Homes Chief Executive, Tracey Lees, added: “We want all of our tenants and leaseholders to have a home they feel safe in and a neighbourhood they feel proud of. Drug dealing from any of our properties is completely unacceptable.

“We’re very grateful to those residents who voiced their concerns about what was taking place in this flat. We’re pleased the crack house has been closed thanks to their help and the support of Barnet Council and the police.”

Inspector Mike Carver of Barnet police said: “Sergeant Zarina O’Regan of Mill Hill Safer Neighbourhoods team did excellent work in this case. Our aim is always be to make our communities safer, but police cannot do this alone.

“It is only by working closely with the community and our partner agencies that Barnet remains a safe place to live and work.”