‘Criminal activity’ Closure orders extended at flats
APOLICE closure order on two Barton Hill flats has been extended following “unacceptable” behaviour.
Avon and Somerset police first secured closure orders on two properties in Barton Hill back in July, after neighbours complained of being kept awake and not feeling safe in their own homes.
Class A drugs were found in one property in Avonvale Road and the closure order on that address has been extended for three months.
Another closure order on an address in Strawbridge Road has been extended for two months, but only after the tenant co-operated with the local authority.
Kate Matthews, an antisocial behaviour co-ordinator, said: “Those living in the vicinity were subjected to people coming and going at all times of the day engaging in criminal activity.
“That’s not acceptable and that’s why we’re glad the court has agreed to extend the orders to help reduce antisocial behaviour.”
Officials at Bristol Magistrates’ Court decided to extend the closure order last week as they were due to expire on Tuesday.
Police said the extension was granted to “help prevent the community being subjected to antisocial behaviour”.
In a statement, they said: “A threemonth closure order against a property in Avonvale Road was granted in July. It was due to expire on Tuesday but a three-month extension was issued at Bristol Magistrates’ Court last week.
Those living in the vicinity were subjected to people coming and going at all times of the day engaging in criminal activity. That’s not acceptable and that’s why we’re glad the court has agreed to extend the orders to help reduce antisocial behaviour.
Co-ordinator Kate Matthews
“The initial order was made after suspected class A drugs were found during a warrant in June. It came after reports from the local community about crime and antisocial behaviour at the address.
“An address in Strawbridge Road, which was also given a three-month closure order in the summer, has received a two-month extension too. The tenant’s co-operation with the local authority meant a shorter closure order was granted.”
Kate Matthews added: “Anyone experiencing antisocial behaviour in their neighbourhood should not suffer in silence.
“Please contact us online, or on 101 if the incident is not ongoing, so we can factor this into patrol plans and take action where necessary.”