The Chronicle (South Tyneside and Durham)
Closure order is served on house
A GATESHEAD home has been served with a closure order due to ongoing anti-social behaviour and links to other suspected criminality.
Gateshead Central Neighbourhood Policing Team received a host of complaints from residents over the last four months regarding the property on Beaconsfield Road in Low Fell.
An investigation was launched and a series of suspected crimes were linked to the property, including anti-social behaviour, drugs supply, and possession.
Northumbria Police and Gateshead Council worked together to use civil legislation with the aim of preventing any further issues.
A closure order under the Antisocial Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014 was heard before Newcastle Crown Court on Thursday, February 22 and prevents anyone from entering the property for three months; except from employees and agents of the landlord, members of the council, or the emergency services.
On the same day, the house was boarded up by officers on Thursday, February 22, to ensure that the current tenant cannot gain entry.
Any breach of the order could lead to a criminal prosecution that would see a possible prison sentence or fine upon a successful conviction.
Sergeant David Lee, of Northumbria Police, said his team were confident that the closure order would have a positive impact on the community.
He said: “We have received numerous reports of activity taking place at this address over recent months and no-one should have to tolerate this kind of behaviour from their neighbours.
“We would like to thank residents for their help and patience in regards to this investigation, as well as our partners at Gateshead Council for their support in gaining this full closure order.
“This full closure order would not have been possible without the assistance of local residents, so this shows the value in reporting concerns to police.”
Coun Angela Douglas, chair of the Gateshead Community Safety Board, said: “Everyone has a right to feel safe and secure in their home, and the closure order imposed on this address should send a very clear message to anyone else engaging in anti-social behaviour.
“It won’t be tolerated, and we will continue to work in partnership with Northumbria Police in taking swift and decisive action to help keep our communities safe.”
Northumbria Police encouraged anyone who wanted to report antisocial behaviour to use the ‘Report’ page of the Northumbria Police website or call 101.