A Hartlepool property has been ordered to close following a successful application by the Hartlepool Community Safety Team, in response to alleged ongoing criminal and anti-social behaviour.
Teesside Magistrates Court heard the case regarding 15 Walpole Road, a house in the Manor House Ward in Hartlepool. The property, managed by Thirteen Group, has been the subject of numerous complaints from residents living nearby.
Councillor Brenda Harrison, Leader of Hartlepool Borough Council, stated: “The tenant of this property allowed for it to be used for a range of criminal and anti-social behaviour activities – we will not stand for that, and I am delighted that the Hartlepool Community Safety Team has been successful in getting this property closed down and improving the lives of residents living nearby.”
Jonathan Brash, Hartlepool MP and Chair of the Safer Hartlepool Partnership, added: “We are determined to make Hartlepool a safer place to live, work and visit. To do that we must take strong action in shutting down these types of properties which are a blight on our community. I urge residents to continue to work with our Hartlepool Community Safety Team to report incidents so that we can continue to take action where required.”
Since June 2024, the tenant had allowed persistent anti-social and criminal behaviour to occur at the property. Reports include:
- Noise nuisance and disturbances throughout the night.
- Frequent visitors associated with drug activity.
- Street fights involving weapons such as axes, knives, and a machete.
- High volumes of traffic including motorbikes, taxis, and cars arriving at all hours.
The Hartlepool Community Safety Team, which is a multi-agency partnership between Cleveland Fire Brigade, Cleveland Police and Hartlepool Borough Council.
Inspector Adrian Dack of Hartlepool Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “Closing down properties where this type of activity is taking place makes our neighbourhoods a safer place to live and reduces the fear of crime in the community.
“Drugs activity, such as that taking place at this address, and the antisocial behaviour that comes with it, causes great distress to those living nearby. We work closely with residents to build a picture of what is happening, before this is put before a Magistrate to request a closure. We would urge anyone suffering similar issues to let us know, but calling police on 101 or reporting incidents online at www.cleveland.police.uk .”
Kay Glew, Thirteen’s Director of Operations, said: “This kind of behaviour is really damaging to the quality of life of people living nearby and it just won’t be tolerated.
“We take all reports of anti-social behaviour very seriously and our staff have worked alongside partners to investigate and gather the evidence needed to secure this closure order in court.”
The Closure Order, if granted, will remain in place for three months, during which time access to the property will be restricted. Breaching a Closure Order carries a maximum penalty of six months imprisonment and/or an unlimited fine.
Residents are encouraged to report any breaches or concerns to Cleveland Police on 101, or 999 in an emergency, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.