TWO suspected drug dens have been shut down by police over fears of crime and antisocial behaviour.

Officers responded to reports of drugs being used at addresses in Hurstfield and Busticle Lane in Lancing and Sompting.

Both addresses were home to “vulnerable” tenants, Sussex Police said.

It is feared there may have been “cuckooing”, where devious dealers force their way into vulnerable people’s homes in order to sell drugs to customers.

Now the two addresses have been shut using Partial Closure Orders which bans outsiders visiting the addresses.

The order will last for three months, and states that visitors who are not specified can be arrested for loitering outside or inside the property.

Officers say it will be a relief for neighbours in the area, and will help protect tenants at risk of being exploited.

It also helps officers instead focus on targeting and catching the drug dealing gang members and those committing crime and antisocial behaviour.

Neighbourhood Policing Team Sergeant Craig Burgess said: “Partial Closure Orders are the final option when dealing with antisocial behaviour at a particular address.

“We have worked with the vulnerable residents and other agencies to take this action to protect the residents and wider community from the antisocial behaviour, which unfortunately was associated with these addresses.”