Police used new powers to evict people who made their neighbours' lives a misery in one of the first cases of its kind.

Officers in Hertsmere issued the eviction order at an address in Theobold Street after reports of anti-social behaviour by a group of people who had illegally moved in.

In February, squatters in the house were arrested for drug offences. The men, aged 47, 31 and 17, and a 27-year-old woman, all from Borehamwood and Potters Bar, were arrested on suspicion of possessing class A and class B drugs. They have been bailed until April 12.

Police, Affinity Sutton Housing and Hertsmere Borough Council have been working together to tackle the issues and reclaim ownership of the property.

They used their powers under the new Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act, which came into force last October.

The order, granted by St Albans Magistrates Court on Tuesday, March 31, will prevent anyone from entering. The current tenant is due to be evicted in July.

A statement from Affinity Sutton said: “We are very pleased with the positive outcome of this joint working and intend to use the powers given to housing providers in the new Act to take mandatory possession of this property.”

PC Tom Campbell, of Borehamwood’s Scorpion Team, said: “This is the first time we have used a closure order and it is a great new power, which we will be utilising to stop anti-social behaviour at addresses in Borehamwood.

“Anti-social behaviour can cause misery for people affected by it and I hope this closure will appease residents who can now return to their normally peaceful lives.”