CLOSURE orders against six properties all owned by members of the same family in Bolingbroke Road were granted in court last week after Cannabis grows were uncovered.
The decision means no one is now permitted to enter the properties for at least the next three months.
Coventry City Council took the court action following evidence provided by West Midlands Police, and it believes this power hasn’t previously been used against property owners for this purpose in the region.
All the properties have had cannabis grows uncovered over the past 18 months, with some being caught twice.
The three-month closures are expected to cost the owners over £10,000 had they been able to rent the properties and avoid proceedings.
Cannabis grows place neighbouring properties at fire risk due to bypassed electrics and massive heat lamps.
There is also the threat of aggravated burglaries from other gangs.
Insp Alex Heeley, from the Coventry Neighbourhood Policing Unit, said: “These properties have been the subject of police interest for some time, so taking actions like these will help protect the community.
“It is vital residents and communities let us know if there are any concerns in their neighbourhoods.
“This will make it easier for us to take quick and decisive action in these cases.
“We take drug cultivation and illegal use of premises incredibly seriously and will move to take action against this kind of offending where and when we find it.”
The council’s cabinet member for policing and equalities, Coun Abdul Khan, said: “This is an excellent example of the partnership work across Council services and West Midlands Police and I’d like to thank everyone for their efforts.
“We believe as a minimum it shows negligence on the part of the property owners and we hope it sends a clear message to the very small number of owners who try to bypass the law that they will not get away with it.”
