The Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods (SCAN) unit of the Alberta Sheriffs obtained a court order authorizing them to close this property in Lethbridge due to drug activity on the premises.
The SCAN unit of the Alberta Sheriffs obtained a court order against the owners of 1326 Henderson Lake Boulevard South in Lethbridge, banning anyone from the premises for 90 days and placing conditions on the property until July 7, 2022.
The community safety order granted in Court of Queen’s Bench took effect at noon on April 8, giving sheriffs the authority to board up the house, change the locks and erect a fence around the property. The order also terminates all tenancy agreements related to the property.
“Properties that provide a haven for drug trafficking and other criminal activities can spread fear and anxiety throughout an entire neighbourhood. I applaud the Alberta Sheriffs and the Lethbridge Police Service for taking decisive action in this situation and helping Lethbridge residents once again feel safe in their homes and their neighbourhoods.”
SCAN’s investigation began in September 2020 in response to multiple complaints from the community, including allegations of drug use, drug trafficking, criminal activity and erratic behaviour on the part of people attending the property.
SCAN will continue to monitor activities at 1326 Henderson Lake Boulevard South for the duration of the community safety order. The order also names several individuals who will not be allowed back to the property for a year.
The SCAN unit works with other law enforcement agencies to shut down properties being used for illegal activities. The Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Act gives sheriffs the authority to target problem properties through civil enforcement.
Since its inception in 2008, Alberta’s SCAN unit has investigated more than 5,800 problem properties and issued more than 90 community safety orders. The majority of complaints are resolved by working with property owners to keep criminal activity out of the community.