Closure order at business in Camborne puts a halt to relentless antisocial behaviour
A closure order has been served on a business in Camborne after it became a hotspot for violence and antisocial behaviour (ASB), causing relentless disruption to the local community.
On Tuesday 3 June, a full closure order was served at licenced premises, Soul Bar. The order makes it an offence for anyone to enter the address for a three-month period.
Police had received reports of alcohol-fuelled ASB, violence and noise disturbances occurring at the premises, which had been spilling outside of the bar onto the street. There had also been reports of verbal abuse towards passing members of the public and those working during the evening and night time economy.
Inspector Lou Brown, who heads up the neighbourhood police team in Camborne, said: “This relentless behaviour was having a significant impact on the safety and wellbeing in the community, so it was important we took action to safeguard local people from further harm.
“Securing a closure order is never our first course of action. Our team attempted to work alongside the business to tackle the cause of ASB in the first instance. However, in this case our attempts weren’t successful, and this behaviour continued without any consideration of the impact this was having on the local community.
Kay Smith, Camborne ASB Officer for Cornwall Council who worked to secure the order, said: “The safety and wellbeing of the community and residents is our top priority. Over recent months, we saw a significant increase in reports of ASB linked to the Soul Bar.
“Securing this order was a necessary step to restore peace and ensure that families and members of the public can once again enjoy their neighbourhood without fear or worry.
“We remain committed to working alongside residents and Cornwall Council to monitor the situation and hold those responsible to account. This is a great example of partner agencies working closely to safeguard the local community”.
Whilst this is a temporary order, police will continue to engage with the business to ensure future crime prevention.
The closure order was granted at Truro Magistrates Court and obtained by the Devon & Cornwall Police Licensing Team, the ASB Officer for Cornwall Council and the neighbourhood policing team.
Cllr James Ball, Cornwall Councillor for Tuckingmill and Roskear, and Camborne Town Mayor added: "This is great news. The premises has impacted on residents and business in the area for a long time and contributed to the anti-social behaviour in the town.
“I hope this closure will show residents that we do take action against businesses who negatively impact the town. Camborne Town Council is proud to fund 50% of the ASB officer role and without this funding we would have lost all the vital work Kay has done on this issue and many others."
If you’re experiencing similar problems or are experiencing any behaviour that causes you distress or has a negative impact on the safety of the community, please report it to the police.
You can report directly on the Devon & Cornwall Police website. If a crime is taking place, call 999.
If you have been affected by crime, please visit victimcare-dc.org to access support services and information on your rights and how to navigate the criminal justice system. You can also call Victim Support on 08 08 16 89 111 or Devon and Cornwall Police’s Victim Care Unit on 01392 475900.
Photo: PS Alice McKinnon and Kay Smith (ASB) Officer
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