Closure order obtained at Northampton property following drug related anti-social behaviour

17 July 2024

A property in Northampton has been issued with a full closure order following concerns around drug dealing and anti-social behaviour from members of the public.

The 3-month order follows numerous complaints from local residents about a range of disruptive activities linked to the flat, located in Park Avenue in Abington, over the past six months.

Since January 2024, there have been persistent reports of disturbances including frequent visitors to the flat throughout the night and early morning; noise from shouting, arguing, fighting, and swearing in communal areas; other residents' flat buzzers being rung in the early hours; and suspicious packages being exchanged, believed to be drugs, causing the community a high level of alarm and distress.

Last week (10 July), West Northamptonshire Council’s (WNC) Anti-Social Behaviour team and Northamptonshire Police successfully obtained a closure order to shut down the property under Part 4 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. 

The Council and the police worked together to gather the evidence needed to obtain the closure order at Northampton Magistrates Court.

The property will be secured and boarded to prevent entry. Any unauthorised person who enters the property will be committing a criminal offence. 

"We are pleased this full closure order has been obtained thanks to a strong partnership effort with Northamptonshire Police.

“This Northampton property has been a source of persistent anti-social behaviour and criminal activity for months, making the lives of other residents miserable.

“This decisive action reflects our commitment to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our communities. By addressing this issue head-on, we are not only improving the quality of life for local residents but also sending a clear message that anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated in our neighbourhoods."Cllr David Smith, Cabinet Member for Planning and Communities at WNC

Closure orders last for a period of 3 months and can be extended further if necessary. They are used when other approaches to tackling anti-social behaviour have been unsuccessful and aim to protect residents living in the neighbourhood by preventing criminal behaviour taking place in or around a property.

“Northamptonshire Police is extremely pleased with the result of this full closure order, which is the culmination of excellent partnership work between the Northampton Neighbourhood Policing Team, the Anti-Social Behaviour Unit and West Northamptonshire Council.

“I would like to give special mention to PCSO Dan Freeman who was diligent and determined, working with and supporting the residents impacted by the ASB and criminality from this problem address. Between all our partners we obtained all of the information and evidence required to take this matter to court and secure a successful outcome.

“We fully recognise the detrimental effects behaviour like this has on people’s quality of life, and how communities can suffer as a result of those who fail to consider the impact of their actions. I’d like to pay tribute to this community, to those who have stood up and refused to be plagued by this behaviour; it is their evidence which has been instrumental to this outcome.

“No-one should feel frightened in their own home. Cases like this demonstrate that police and local authorities will not tolerate such behaviour and illustrate how important it is for residents to let us know about issues in their area.”Inspector Lee Flavell, of Northampton Neighbourhood Policing Team

If you are experiencing issues with anti-social behaviour or suspected criminality where you live, please report it to police on 101 or report online at www.northants.police.uk/RO. In an emergency, where a crime is in progress or life is at risk, always call 999.

Non-emergency reports can also be made in confidence to independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.