Police search of Hucknall address results in eviction of occupants and discovery of purse stolen from elderly victim

Police conducted a search warrant at a Hucknall address earlier this week as part of an investigation into suspected drug dealing.

The officers carried out the search on Tuesday (11 April) at an address on Goodall Crescent which is just off Portland Road 'due to concerns of drug dealing associated with the address.'

The occupants were subsequently evicted from the address yesterday (Friday 14 April) after the police had liaised with the landlords of the property.

Of this outcome, a statement on Ashfield Police's Facebook page said: "We are hopeful this will bring some respite to local residents and the wider community."

During the search a purse was located which had been stolen from a 75-year-old female in Hucknall town centre after she had fallen over carrying two shopping bags into her home. The victim thought she had been assisted by a helpful member of the public before later discovering that her purse, which had been in one of the bags, was missing.

The purse will be returned to the victim and the suspect is now assisting officers with the investigation.

The police statement posted to social media continued: "We often highlight premises closures obtained to prevent drug dealing from addresses. Part of this process involves liaison with landlords whether that be private, local authority, housing association etc with any fast track actions such as rapid eviction recognised as preferable and more permanent solution to a court imposed closure.

"Where we do obtain closure orders the hoped for end game it [sic] landlords will use the period of the closure to evict tenants to prevent problems associated to addresses returning. As such it is really pleasing that the landlord at Goodall Crescent was able to take what will be a permanent solution so quickly to prevent further issues.

"In recent weeks we have also conducted searches at addresses on St Marys View Ogle Street Hucknall on 23/03/2023 with persons arrested and occupant evicted on the morning of 24/03/2023. An address on Chatsworth Drive Hucknall was searched on 13/03/2023 which it was believed being used for drug activity whilst the occupant was imprisoned. Upon their release we will continue to monitor activity/ reports form public and take further action if warranted.

"As a word or [sic] warning for any other drug dealers operating in Hucknall we are currently in discussion with other landlords who are working with us and working through eviction processes, with closure application being put together incase [sic] eviction cannot be obtained. Incidents and intelligence reported to us are vital for us to be able to obtain warrants and take enforcement action so thank you to those who have supported our efforts. Please continue to contact us."