Closure order granted to tackle anti-social behaviour in West Swindon

Officers working to tackle anti-social behaviour in the Toothill area of Swindon have successfully obtained a closure order for a property there.

The order, which is for an address in Ely Close and prevents anyone but the sole occupant from being inside the flat for the next three months, was granted by Swindon Magistrates Court.

Closure orders are issued under Section 80 of the Antisocial, Crime and Policing Act 2014 and are used by police to tackle issues such as anti-social behaviour, drug dealing and cuckooing.

PC Rory Draper, the Community Co-ordinator for west Swindon, welcomed the order and said he believed it would be a positive move for everyone in the area, including the occupant of the address.

He said: "The closure order has been obtained to protect both the local community and the vulnerable female occupant herself from being exploited by visitors to the address who may be linked to the use of supply of Class A drugs.

"We feel it is important to listen to the local community when they report activity and make sure that the most vulnerable in our society are afforded as much protection as possible.

"If anyone other than those named on the order enter the address, they could be committing an offence and may be arrested.

"During the period of the order, we will be working closely with our partner agencies, including Swindon Borough Council, to identify a longer term solution which safeguards both the community and the vulnerable occupant."