Officers successfully extend property closure order to prevent anti-social behaviour

Officers have successfully applied for a problem property in Shelton to continue to be closed in order to prevent anti-social behaviour (ASB).

The property, in Penstock Drive, was initially closed in October 2021 until 18 January 2022.

Officers from Stoke-on-Trent South Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) were granted a three-month extension to the closure order by magistrates at North Staffordshire Justice Centre on Tuesday (18 January).

It followed evidence submitted by local officers over concerns around suspected criminal activity in the location.

Now, no one is permitted to remain at or enter the address until mid-April.

This crime prevention activity is one of a number of initiatives taking place in Stoke-on-Trent this week as part of the national neighbourhood policing week of action.

Sergeant Philip Humphreys, of Stoke South NPT said: “I hope this outcome provides some reassurance to the local community that we, along with our partners, will take action and use all available powers to address issues affecting them.

“If you have information about suspected criminal activity and anti-social behaviour in your neighbourhood, please don’t hesitate to report it to us because we will take it seriously.”

Neighbourhood Inspector Scott McGrath, along with local authority and fire service partners, are to address the concerns of those who live, work and visit Stoke-on-Trent, during an online event on Thursday 20 January from 6pm to 8pm.

Questions can be submitted in advance at: https://app.sli.do/event/kVuAEWuRjmsXVMGcYZ2g5X/live/questions with officers and partners responding to queries in real-time on the night.

You can also contact Staffordshire Police on Facebook, Twitter, or call 101. Alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or call 999 in an emergency.