Plan to tackle drug dens

Plan to tackle drug dens

Cleveland Police is backing the anti-drugs scheme

Cleveland Police could help pioneer new ways of tackling drug dealing and anti-social behaviour.

The force wants to become a pilot site for new government proposals, which make it easier to take action against offenders.

Under the plans the police will have the power to shut down drug dens.

Cleveland Police Authority believes the pilot scheme would give the force an opportunity to take the lead in tackling two of the region's biggest problems.

If it is granted, drug dens could be closed within 48 hours and sealed for three months to prevent traders moving back in to the premises.

The force would also get the power to impose fixed penalty fines on parents whose children are involved in anti-social behaviour or who truant from school.