Magistrates have granted a three‑month Closure Order on a Hartlepool flat following months of criminal and anti-social behaviour
The order relates to 6 Exmoor Grove and follows a successful application by the multi‑agency Hartlepool Community Safety Team.
Councillor Owen Riddle, Chair of Hartlepool Borough Council’s Neighbourhoods and Regulatory Services Committee, said: “I want to make it absolutely clear that this kind of lawlessness will not be tolerated in Hartlepool. When individuals choose to repeatedly blight a neighbourhood with violence, drug activity and intimidation, they leave us no choice but to step in. This action shows that we will stand firmly with residents and take tough measures to shut down properties used for crime.”
Inspector of Neighbourhood Policing in Hartlepool, Adrian Dack said: “Tackling drugs and anti-social behaviour are high priorities for Neighbourhood Policing in Hartlepool. This order means that residents in this area can now live without the constant noise and anti-social behaviour that comes with drugs activity and can feel safer in their neighbourhoods. Working closely with our partners, we are committed to taking positive action to protect our communities and tackle criminals.”
Jonathan Brash, Hartlepool MP and Chair of the Safer Hartlepool Partnership, said: “Let’s be absolutely clear: the decent, law-abiding majority in Hartlepool should not have to live in fear because of a selfish, anti-social minority who think the rules don’t apply to them. If you choose to turn your home into a hub for crime, violence and intimidation, we will take back control of our neighbourhoods through the powers at our disposal and we will stand shoulder to shoulder with residents who simply want to live in peace. Enough is enough, the message is simple: if you bring misery to our communities, you will face the consequences.”
6 Exmoor Grove
Teesside Magistrates’ Court heard that the tenant of the flat which is owned by Thirteen Group, had been allowing criminal and anti-social behaviour to occur at the flat since September 2024, causing significant distress and disruption to the local community.
Reports included:
- Persistent noise nuisance, loud music and parties.
- Fighting and the use of weapons.
- Drinking and drug‑taking outside the property.
- Fire-setting by people under the influence of alcohol.
- Threats and intimidation towards residents.
- Criminal damage to the property.
- Drug dealing and the use of drugs.
- Groups of people arguing and running around the area into the early hours
On one occasion, the tenant was reported to have left the property carrying a knife.
Thirteen’s Housing and Communities Director Kay Glew said: “Keeping our customers safe is always our priority, and we understand the impact this kind of behaviour has had on people living nearby. We won’t tolerate our homes being used for crime or anti-social behaviour, and we’re grateful to our partners for their support in securing this Closure Order.
“We hope this action provides reassurance to residents that steps are being taken to protect the community, and we’ll continue working closely with Hartlepool Borough Council and Cleveland Police to prevent further disruption and ensure the neighbourhood remains a safe place to live.”
Despite the application for the order being contested, magistrates granted the Closure Order. Costs of £1,244 were also awarded.
This action forms part of the Hartlepool Community Safety Team’s determined borough‑wide efforts to crack down on criminal and anti‑social behaviour and protect residents from harm.
The maximum penalty for breaching a Closure Order is six months’ imprisonment and/or an unlimited fine.
Residents who witness a breach of the order are urged to contact Cleveland Police on 101, or 999 in an emergency. Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.