Police have been granted a full closure order for a nuisance neighbour’s property in Bishop’s Stortford following reports of anti-social behaviour, drug use and noise.
A court was told that despite warnings to the occupant and others, the problems at the home in Stockmen Field, St Michael’s Mead, continued, with officers attending 18 incidents in the past six months.
The closure order, which was granted at Stevenage Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (March 27), prohibits anyone other than emergency services and utility company workers from entering the address for the next three months. Anyone who breaches the order could be arrested and face further action.
The East Herts Community Safety Unit (CSU) and housing association Clarion Housing began to investigate after several calls to them about activity at the property “which was having a negative impact on the community”. They were supported by officers from the neighbourhood policing team, intervention response team and East Herts Council.
A Hertfordshire Constabulary spokeswoman said: “Despite warnings and signposting to support agencies, the behaviour continued, with officers regularly having to attend. Evidence presented to the court in support of the closure application documented 18 incidents at the property over the past six months.”
Sgt Nathan Howson, from the CSU, said: “The behaviour of the occupant and other individuals associated with the property was causing fear among the local community. No one should have to feel like this in their own home.
“Working alongside our community safety partners, we’ve sought and successfully obtained this order to help provide some much-needed respite for those affected by the issues associated with the address.
“I hope this serves as a warning to people that this kind of behaviour will not be tolerated and we will seek to obtain these orders wherever possible.
“If you’re experiencing similar issues in your neighbourhood, please continue to report it as it helps us to build up the evidence we need to take action.”
You can report information online at herts.police.uk/report, speak to an operator in the force communications room online via web chat at herts.police.uk/contact or call non-emergency number 101. Always dial 999 in an emergency or if a crime is in progress.
Alternatively, you can stay 100% anonymous by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or via the independent charity’s untraceable online form at crimestoppers-uk.org.
