Barking and Dagenham Council has secured a closure order and regained possession of a council property as part of ongoing action to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour across the borough.

The council's Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) team worked alongside the Metropolitan Police to investigate concerns at properties in Cartwright Road and Icehouse Court, where residents had reported criminal activity, intimidation and persistent anti-social behaviour.

At a property in Cartwright Road, officers responded to reports of individuals repeatedly attending the address and causing concern to local residents. During a joint visit by police and council officers, several individuals wanted by police were identified and arrested.

The tenant reported that the same individuals had continued to force their way into the property and make threats towards him. In response, the council and police applied for and secured a partial closure order through the courts, restricting access to the property and enabling further enforcement action. Several further arrests have since been made.

In a separate case at Icehouse Court, a council tenant was found to be using their property for drug-related activity, generating serious anti-social behaviour that affected other residents living in the block. The property had also suffered fire damage.

Following legal action by the council, a full closure order was granted, the tenant was removed from the property and arrested, and the council subsequently secured outright possession of the home.

Councillor Syed Ghani, Cabinet Member for Enforcement and Community Safety, said: "We will not allow council properties or residential addresses to be used for criminal activity or behaviour that causes misery for neighbours."

"These cases show that when concerns are reported, we will work closely with the police and our partners to investigate, take enforcement action, and protect our communities."