Music kit is seized after complaints about noise
POLICE forced their way into a flat to help confiscate speakers and music equipment that had been used to play loud heavy-bass music.
The occupant of the flat refused to let council officers and police in when they arrived at the property, having secured a warrant, so the door was forced.
The raid came after repeated noise complaints from people living near the flat in East Park Road, Highfields, Leicester.
Complaints were first made in May, when neighbours reported unacceptable noise from amplified music and computer gaming coming from the flat, disturbing them during the night and day.
The tenant was sent an informal advice letter in mid-May, calling for the noise to be kept at a lower level.
But the problems continued and four more noise nuisances from amplified music were witnessed between July and September.
As a result, Leicester Magistrates’ Court granted the council noise and pollution control team a warrant to enter the flat and remove the equipment.
In all, the team seized six items of equipment, including a subwoofer, two tower speakers, two surround speakers and a DVD player.
By law, the tenant can claim back the equipment after a month, but will have to pay the £200 costs incurred during the seizure.
Officials said further reports of noise nuisance could mean more seizures of equipment from the flat.
Noise and pollution control team manager Robin Marston said: “This noise nuisance started during lockdown when residents were being told to stay at home and were unable to get away from it.
“Our officers had initially tried to deal with the problem without resorting to enforcement action.
“But unfortunately the tenant failed to respond and continued to make his neighbours’ lives a misery.
“As a result we had no choice but to seek permission from the courts to seize the equipment and bring this problem to an end.”