RESIDENTS living near to a Malvern home plagued by heavy drugs activity and anti-social behavior have been protected after police lawfully forced its closure today.
Officers from Malvern issued the two-storey Langland Avenue house with a Closure Order under the provisions of the Anti-Social Behaviour; Crime and Policing Act 2014.
Metal shutters bordering its windows and access points were installed by the officers earlier today (Friday).
It followed months of reported trouble at the home when several arrests were made for possession of Class A drugs, robbery and possession of an offensive weapon.
Residents of the troubled home were asked to leave and given a ‘Notice of Direction to Leave’ under Section 35 Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014 – meaning they had to leave the area immediately.
The Closure Order, which was granted at Worcester Magistrates Court, lasts for three months and means it is an offence for anyone to enter the property during this time. Anyone who enters the premises in contravention of the order may be arrested.
Officers attended the property in company with representatives of Fortis Living, while it was vacated by its residents and then secured against any unauthorised entry.
PC Susan Parr of the Chase & Pickersleigh Safer Neighbourhood Team said: “Anti-social behaviour covers a wide range of unacceptable activity, which, in this particular case included swearing, loud music, and rowdy behaviour by both the occupant and his many visitors.
“One resident described the activities at the address as ‘disgusting’.
“The police, local authorities and other community safety partner agencies, such as social housing landlords, all have a responsibility to deal with anti-social behaviour.
“West Mercia Police are committed to protecting the public and tackling any behaviour which has a negative impact on the wider community. As a result of this order being granted by the court, it sends out a message that this kind of behaviour will not be tolerated.”
Inspector Deb Sanders of Malvern Hills Safer Neighbourhood Team added: “The Malvern Hills Safer Neighbourhood Team have worked proactively with members of the public and partner agencies to secure this positive outcome.
“Our priority is protecting the public from harm, and we rely on the willingness of the community to engage with the police in reporting suspicious activity, which, in this case has proved pivotal in the success of obtaining this Closure Order.
“I would like to thank everyone involved, and encourage anyone who witnesses suspicious activity or experiencing anti-social behaviour to report it to their Safer Neighbourhood Team.”
Picture – @MalvernCops (Twitter Feed)
