Working with partners to tackle ASB and cuckooing in Coventry

The action was taken at Hillman House to help keep local customers and the wider community safe. Cuckooing is when criminals take over someone's home to use it as a base for crime such as dealing drugs, storing weapons, sex work, and other illegal activities.

On Monday 24 August, we attended the flat alongside West Midlands Police and partner agencies to carry out the closure order.

The issues at the home had been causing concern for customers living nearby for several months, with reports of unwanted visitors, suspected drug use and ongoing antisocial behaviour.

Through partnering with police and other agencies, we visited the building, spoke with neighbours, offered support to the customer, and kept detailed records of incidents.

The police issued warnings, carried out enforcement activity, and increased foot and mobile patrols in the area to reassure our customers ad reduce risks.

This followed warrants and a number of arrests over the last year.

When the issues continued despite support and intervention, we applied for a closure order. Action of this kind is always a last resort.

The case highlights the importance of partnership working and the role agencies play in supporting customers and tackling serious antisocial behaviour.

Our Director of Housing Care and Support Peter Gill said: “We’re committed to working with our partners to tackle antisocial behaviour and help keep our communities safe.

“In this case, we worked closely with the police to secure a closure order following a series of serious incidents that had a significant impact on local customers and the wider community.

“Our priority is always to work with customers to resolve issues wherever possible. However, there are occasions when enforcement action is necessary to protect neighbouring customers. Eviction is always a last resort and only happens after careful consideration and extensive work by our teams and partners.

“We hope the action taken will help local customers feel safer and more settled in their homes.

Inspector Maria Perrin, who manages neighbourhood police teams in the city centre, added: “We have worked closely with Citizen to deal with concerns at this address over a number of months. Our St Michael's Neighbourhood Patrol Team is committed to working with partners including Citizen and with the local community to tackle antisocial behaviour and keep people safe.

"Your dedicated neighbourhood officers for the city centre will continue to host community meetings and work with housing providers to make sure all residents feel safe and can report concerns to us."

 Everyone has the right to feel safe in their home and community. If you're experiencing antisocial behaviour, we're here to help. Find out more on our website or call us on 0300 790 6555. Between 5pm and 9am, you can contact our ASB Respect Line on 0800 075 6699.