Four residential closure orders granted by the court to disrupt illegal activity
Vulnerable residents in Torbay have been given more protection by police after four homes were made subject of partial closure orders this week.
The orders last for three months and mean that only the tenant and certain support services are permitted to be on the premises.
Hearings took place at Newton Abbot Magistrates Court on Tuesday 28 and Wednesday 29 July. The properties relate to the Watcombe, St Marychurch and Wellswood areas of Torquay as well as one property in Paignton.
Torquay Sector Inspector Rob Harvey explained: “These orders were obtained following reports of persistent anti-social behaviour and drug-related activity at the properties. They are an important tool in disrupting crime and addressing the exploitation associated with such offending. I am grateful for the hard work and professionalism shown by officers throughout these investigations. This action sends a clear message that we will continue to work with our partners and local communities to tackle issues that harm neighbourhoods and affect residents' quality of life."
Policing teams will continue to work closely with local partners to ensure the affected tenants receive relevant support to further protect them from harm.
A specialist Devon & Cornwall Police legal advisor works with local police teams to bring about the closure orders.
Since the ASB Legal Advisor started in post towards the end of 2024 they have secured a total of 86 closure orders tackling both residential and commercial premises linked to serious ASB, drug activity, counterfeit products and exploitation.
The Anti Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 allows police to apply for a closure order for up to three months initially but this can be extended for a maximum of a further three months – such applications have been included in this number.
To report incidents please call 101 or visit the Devon & Cornwall Police website Home | Devon & Cornwall Police
Victim Support help in Devon and Cornwall is available by calling 0300 303 0554 or via their website Devon and Cornwall - Victim Support
For regular updates please follow Torquay Police and Paignton Police on Facebook.
Image gallery:
select image to see larger version