Sheriffs close persistent problem property in Lethbridge

The Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods (SCAN) unit of the Alberta Sheriffs has obtained a court order against the owner of 1607 3 Avenue N, giving investigators the authority to close the property for 90 days, starting at noon on Aug. 22. Any tenancy agreement or lease is terminated effective that date, requiring all tenants to vacate the premises.

The community safety order, obtained in the Court of King's Bench, bars people from the property until the closure period ends on Nov. 20. The property will be boarded up and fenced, and all locks will be changed.

The closure is the property's second this year. SCAN first shuttered it on Jan. 10 following repeated visits from Lethbridge police and persistent complaints from area residents in response to recurring drug activity. While the initial closure ended on April 9, conditions remained in place to prohibit further drug-related activity on site.

With evidence of illegal activities continuing at the property, SCAN successfully applied for another community safety order to close the property as of Aug. 22. The latest closure was fast-tracked with the safety and comfort of area residents in mind and to expedite and encourage the property's sale to a different owner.

"My thanks and appreciation go to SCAN and the Lethbridge Police Service for acting swiftly and decisively to close this known problem property. Let this be a lesson to prolific and prospective offenders - Alberta's government and its partners will always be relentless in pursuing action against any activities that put the lives and livelihoods of Albertans at risk."

Mike Ellis, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services

"When we shut down a problem property, we do so with the intent of implementing a long-term solution to improve the safety of the surrounding community. By closing this property for the second time, we're preventing a return to habitual ways for this property owner, and reinforcing our commitment to keeping Alberta communities safe both today and well into the future."

Greg Medley, deputy chief, Alberta Sheriffs

"Problem properties have a significant impact on the safety and well-being of a neighbourhood. Our mission is to provide a safe community for all and we will continue working collaboratively with SCAN to target criminal activity and help restore peace and security to Lethbridge neighbourhoods."

Shahin Mehdizadeh, chief, Lethbridge Police Service

The Alberta Sheriffs work with other law enforcement agencies to shut down properties being used for illegal activities. The SCAN unit operates under the Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Act, which uses legal sanctions and court orders to hold owners accountable for illegal activity happening on their property.

Quick facts

• The last court-ordered closure of the property ended on April 9, at which time the property was returned to its owner.
• On July 31, Alberta Health Services ordered the property closed for being unfit for human habitation. All tenants were required to vacate the premises by Aug. 7.
• On Aug. 1, there was a suspected overdose death at the property.
• Recent attempts have been made by the lienholder to sell the property. A deal to sell the property fell through in June.
• The latest closure will enable the mortgage company to initiate another attempt at selling the property.

Related information

• Report a suspicious property

Related news

• Sheriffs close drug house in Lethbridge (Jan. 10, 2024)

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