Work to tackle issues around homelessness, anti-social behaviour and drug taking in Bury St Edmunds is 'ongoing' after town break-ins
Police say they are carrying out 'extensive work' to tackle issues around homelessness, anti-social behaviour and drug taking.
It follows reports of repeated break-ins at a property on Eastgate Street, Bury St Edmunds , where people have been congregating in the hallway.
One resident, who asked not to be named, said there had been break-ins up to twice a week and that he had collected some 15 crime reference numbers over the past year.
“I have found people sleeping in the hallway in the morning and disturbances at night,” he said.
“My girlfriend is suffering anxiety problems because of the trouble and I have to escort her out of the building for work in the morning and back in when she gets home at night.
“We find people sleeping there, beer cans and rubbish and have also seen needles and other drug paraphernalia. They also use the hallway as as a toilet.”
The resident lives in a privately rented flat above two others, owned by Havebury Housing Association. The two flats are currently occupied but it is understood the people congregating in the hallway are from outside of the building.
A spokesperson for the association said: “We are committed to ensuring our tenants and the wider community feel safe in their homes.
“In addition, we help prevent homelessness by providing tenancy sustainment solutions for our tenants, as well as providing new homes and working with partner agencies within our communities.
“Although it would be the responsibility of the police to look into any illegal activity, our team is in the process of putting additional security measures in place to ensure the property cannot be accessed by any unauthorised individuals.
“We will also contact the local authority with regards to possible housing solutions for the homeless people who are accessing the building.”
A spokesman for Suffolk Police said: “We are aware of anti-social behaviour, as well as reports of drug activity in the Eastgate Street area of Bury St Edmunds.
“We continue to carry out extensive engagement with residents and relevant community partners to address these issues directly regarding homelessness and anti-social behaviour and this work is ongoing.”
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