Police shut down property used by drug addicts

A property in Oldham has been shut down by police after it was found to be used by homeless individuals for drugs use and anti-social behaviour.

The house on Broadwat Street, Hathershaw, was boarded up by police and the council after residents complained about a series of break-ins in nearby properties and cars allegedly caused by the occupants of the house. 

A resident, who did not wish to be named due to safety reasons, said: “There are three houses which are empty, and they broke into the first one and occupied it.  

“It was obvious what they were doing as you could smell the drugs and there were constant break-ins in other properties nearby. 

“They then broke into the house next door and the one next to it which has now been boarded up. They were homeless people who knew it was an empty house so broke into it and started living there. 

“I know that the landlord passed away a while ago, and so these individuals had been living there for over a year. They caused a lot of problems with stealing around the area and causing anti-social behaviour, so the council and police came and boarded it up.” 

A spokesperson from the Oldham Central Neighbourhood Policing Team added: “Following complaints from the community regarding a house causing issues on Broadway Street , Hathershaw , police have worked with partners to secure the house that had been left in disrepair. It is now boarded up. 

 “If you see anything suspicious, or wish to report a crime, you can report this to 101 or online on our GMP website https://www.gmp.police.uk/or you can contact the independent charity, Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or via their website: Independent UK charity taking crime information anonymously | Crimestoppers (crimestoppers-uk.org).