Police serve closure notice on a Gateshead house over ongoing anti-social behaviour

A house in Gateshead that is linked to ongoing anti-social behaviour (ASB) and other suspected criminal activity has been served with a closure notice.

Northumbria Police's Gateshead Central Neighbourhood Policing Team had received a host of complaints over the last four months from local residents regarding the property, on Beaconsfield Road, in the Low Fell area.

A police investigation was launched and a number of suspected crimes were linked to the property, including ASB, drugs supply and possession.

Police officers joined forces with Gateshead Council to use civil legislation to prevent any further issues at the property.

As a result of the full closure order, the tenant has now been banned from entering the house - with officers attending the property on Thursday, February 22, to board it up.

Sergeant David Lee, of Northumbria Police, has thanked those who have helped to attain the full closure notice on the property.

He said: “We have received numerous reports of activity taking place at this address over recent months and no-one should have to tolerate this kind of behaviour from their neighbours.

“We would like to thank residents for their help and patience in regards to this investigation, as well as our partners at Gateshead Council for their support in gaining this full closure order.

“We are confident this outcome will have a positive impact on the community, as well as reassuring residents that we will not hesitate to take decisive action.

“This full closure order would not have been possible without the assistance of local residents, so this shows the value in reporting concerns to police.”

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Councillor Angela Douglas, chair of the Gateshead Community Safety Board, added: “Everyone has a right to feel safe and secure in their home, and the closure order imposed on this address should send a very clear message to anyone else engaging in anti-social behaviour.

“It won’t be tolerated, and we will continue to work in partnership with Northumbria Police in taking swift and decisive action to help keep our communities safe.”

The closure order was heard before Newcastle Crown Court on Thursday, February 22, and was granted under the Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014.

It means no one can enter the property for three months except from employees and agents of the landlord, members of the council or the emergency services.

Should anyone breach the order, they could face criminal prosecution with the chance of receiving a prison sentence or fine.