Eston Flat Shut Down After Being Used as a Drug Den and Crime Hub

A court heard about a flat being used for drugs. This flat was on Barley Hill Close in Bankfields, in Eston, and they called it a ‘drug den’. The man living there was in his late 40s and reportedly took advantage of older people to get money from them.

Redcar & Cleveland Council asked to close the flat, working with police and the landlord, Beyond Housing. The council’s team tracked many incidents, 63 in total, covering crime from late 2023 to early 2025, involving the man living there.

The flat was apparently a place to deal drugs, including crack cocaine. People found weapons at the property, including a knife and a baseball bat. There was also a large plank of wood next to the door.

Someone reported an assault, and a man got scammed out of £4,000. People were told to pay for protection, too. Homeless women used the flat for prostitution, reportedly paying the man with crack cocaine.

The council officer said the man was a danger, carrying knives and other weapons, like swords. He feared for people who live in Bankfields, as the man’s behavior was constant and quite unsafe. The man seemed to exploit elderly people, looking like he wanted money all the time and appeared desperate due to drug issues.

The officer said they must protect everyone and act on the evidence, as his actions hurt other people and negatively impacted vulnerable residents. The council member felt the application was successful and stated that people should not deal with crime near their homes.

The member praised everyone involved in the case, mentioning council staff and the police specifically, for working really hard to protect others. He was happy residents felt relief about this situation.

A police inspector called it a great outcome and a significant win for their community. He hoped it warned people against committing crimes, stating that they would be dealt with firmly.

Police will keep working with the council to act against those who disrupt things and want to improve the lives of residents. This outcome should assure residents that police hear their issues and take action. He asked that people keep reporting things to them so they can work to fix the issues quickly, advising people can call 101 or report things online.