Closure order granted on Hartlepool house

Magistrates have granted a Closure Order on a Hartlepool house following complaints from neighbours about crime and antisocial behaviour.

An application in respect of 233 Oxford Road made by the multi-agency Hartlepool Community Safety Team was approved at a hearing before Teesside Magistrates. An application for costs of £2,186.40 was also granted.

The court heard that since February 2023 the tenant has been allowing antisocial behaviour and crime to occur by having frequent visitors to the property on foot, on pedal bikes, on mopeds and in cars.

Neighbouring residents say the visits occur throughout the day and carry on until the early hours of the morning, keeping them awake at night.

They have complained about drug dealing from the address, and say discarded drug paraphernalia is often left outside.

They also say they have to put up with noise nuisance which includes shouting, banging on the front door, visitors whistling up at the property, visitors being under the influence of drugs and arguing. Windows at the property have been smashed on a number of occasions.

The Closure Order which will remain in place for three months, prevents the tenant from accessing the property.

Inspector Adrian Dack of Hartlepool Police said: “We are determined to tackle criminal behaviour that is ruining the lives of people living in this community and we hope that the order sends out a clear message to that effect.

“In securing these Closure Orders, the Hartlepool Community Safety Team which brings together staff from Hartlepool Borough Council, Cleveland Police and Cleveland Fire Brigade, has again demonstrated the importance of effective partnership working when it comes to tackling criminal activity, restoring order and reassuring residents.”

Tony Hanson, Hartlepool Borough Council’s Executive Director of Development, Neighbourhoods and Regulatory Services, said: “This shows how determined we are to tackle crime and antisocial behaviour. People should be able to live in peace, free from fear, and I hope that this sends out a clear message that we are not prepared to tolerate behaviour that makes law-abiding residents’ lives a misery.”

The property in question is owned by Thirteen Group.

Thirteen’s Director of Operations Kay Glew said: "Ensuring that our customers feel safe in their home and within the community where they live is our priority. We won’t tolerate our homes being used for crime and anti-social behaviour, as we understand the devastating impact behaviour like this can have on those who live close by.

“We are pleased the Closure Order has been granted for one of Thirteen’s homes and we’ll continue to work in partnership with Hartlepool Borough Council and Cleveland Police to reduce antisocial behaviour and crime in our communities.”

The maximum penalty for a breach of an order is six months imprisonment and/or an unlimited fine. Anyone who witnesses the order being breached should call Cleveland Police on 101 or 999 in an emergency. Alternatively, they can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.