Police shut down two Gateshead gyms over suspected criminal activity

Northumbria Police have shut down Birtley Boxing Club, on Beaconsfield Terrace, and Birtley Gym and Fitness Centre, on Durham Road, due to suspected drug dealing and links to other criminal activity.

The closure orders were made in a hearing at Newcastle Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, October 12, after warrants were executed at both venues on September 20.

Searches at the Boxing Club uncovered drugs and weapons, while officers found quantities of drugs and thousands of pounds in cash at the Birtley Gym and Fitness Centre.

The warrants were a result of Northumbria Police receiving reports of various incidents relating to both sites, including suspected drug-dealing, violent disorder and criminal damage.

Magistrates have ruled that both venues must remain closed for the next three months, with anyone found to be in breach of the orders set to face arrest and a possible jail term.

Northumbria Police has welcomed the granting of the closure orders against both venues.

A spokesperson for the Force said: “We are pleased that closure orders have now been granted against these two venues.

“We will continue to closely monitor the area and should anyone breach the orders by re-opening either of the venues, they will face criminal repercussions and potential time behind bars.

“Our hope is that these orders act as a deterrent to others because when we do receive reports linked to suspected criminality we will take action.

“By working with the community and partners, we can continue to ensure this area remains a safe and pleasant place to live and work.”

Councillor Angela Douglas, Chair of the Gateshead Community Safety Board, has stated that the local authority is committed to working with Northumbria Police to eliminate criminal behaviour.

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She added: “Activity of this nature has no place in Gateshead and I would urge anyone with information about suspected criminal activity to report what they know.

“We will continue to work with Northumbria Police to act on reports of this nature and tackle any threats to the safety of our communities.”