Officers secure closure order at problem property

We have secured a closure order at a property in Stoke-on-Trent following persistent anti-social behaviour reports.

The property, on Abbey Road, Abbey Hulton, was closed on 15 February until 14 May 2024.

We were able to secure it after gathering evidence of criminal activity at the location and acting on the concerns of the local community.

It now means that no one can go inside the address for the next three months.

Chief Inspector Scott McGrath, of Stoke North local policing team, 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. 

“Over the last few months, we’ve received reports of drug use and ASB at the address and this has had a detrimental impact on the lives of those living in the area.

“We have worked with partners in attempts to reduce anti-social behaviour at the address before seeking a closure order. We will continue to carry out enforcement in the area and work alongside the local authority to tackle the issues that matter most to local communities.

“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.”

Councillor David Williams, cabinet member for community safety and resilience at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “We know the issues with this property were having a negative impact on the community. To take swift action the council’s anti-social behaviour team worked closely with Staffordshire Police to reassure residents and combat the anti-social behaviour.

“Everybody should be able to feel safe in their local area and we are committed to ensuring that we tackle any type of anti-social behaviour with our partners.”

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