Magistrates have approved a Closure Order on a Hartlepool property following complaints of persistent criminal and anti-social behaviour, including drug dealing, violence and disorder.
Teesside Magistrates' Court granted a three-month order for 37 Octavia Drive, Hartlepool, after hearing evidence presented by the multi-agency Hartlepool Community Safety Team.
The privately-rented semi-detached property is located on the newly built Elwick Gardens development and close to a school and several businesses. The application was supported by the landlord.
The court heard that since April this year, the tenant and other occupants had been allowing criminal and anti-social behaviour to occur at the address.
Reports received detailed Class A drug dealing, with numerous visitors arriving at the property throughout both the day and night. Occupants and visitors were also observed arriving in vehicles, thought to be uninsured and untaxed, being driven at excessive speeds.
Off-road motorbikes were frequently seen visiting the address for short periods before leaving. In addition, visitors appearing to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol were reported calling at the property on foot, with some witnessed urinating in a nearby planted area.
The court also heard reports of fighting both inside and outside the property, involving weapons including hammers, baseball bats, a metal pole and broken bottles, as well as incidents of shouting and swearing that caused significant distress to local residents.
37 Octavia Drive
The Closure Order, granted during the national Anti-Social Behaviour Awareness Week, forms part of the ongoing work being carried out by partners to tackle criminal and anti-social behaviour and protect communities across Hartlepool. As part of its ruling, the court also awarded costs of £1,363.55.
Councillor Amanda Napper, Chair of Hartlepool Borough Council’s Neighbourhoods and Regulatory Services Committee, said: "The catalogue of criminal and anti-social behaviour linked to this property is completely unacceptable. Residents should not have to put up with drug dealing, violence, intimidation and disorder on their doorstep.
"This Closure Order demonstrates our determination to take robust action against those responsible for making life a misery for others. Working alongside our partners, we will continue to identify problem properties, gather evidence and take decisive enforcement action wherever necessary to protect our communities."
Hartlepool Neighbourhood Inspector Adrian Dack said: “We have taken action as a result of our communities being plagued by antisocial behaviour and crime in relation to one particular tenant. This kind of behaviour won’t be tolerated, and we will act upon information so that law-abiding citizens can live in peace. This closure order has meant that the tenant has now been removed and the property will remain closed for a period of at least three months.”
A Closure Order prohibits access to the property by anyone other than those specifically authorised, helping to prevent further nuisance, disorder and criminal activity while safeguarding the wider community. The maximum penalty for breaching an order is six months’ imprisonment and/or an unlimited fine. Anyone who witnesses a breach should contact Cleveland Police on 101 or 999 in an emergency. Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
The Hartlepool Community Safety Team, which comprises staff from Hartlepool Borough Council, Cleveland Police and Cleveland Fire Brigade, was established to provide a coordinated response to community safety concerns.