South Tyneside Council has secured a Closure Order against a property in South Shields.

A Closure Order has been granted for a South Shields property following persistent reports of anti-social behaviour (ASB) and other criminal activity.

South Tyneside Council secured the order on a council-owned property, on Masefield Drive, during a hearing at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court on July 7.

The Closure Order makes it a criminal offence for anyone to enter the property (including the occupant) for three months and anyone found breaching it could face arrest, prosecution and imprisonment.

Reports linked to the address included suspected drug-related activity, criminal damage, threats, the use of weapons and attempted arson attacks.

During the hearing, the court was told that the property had been the subject of increasing complaints from residents, with the incidents escalating in seriousness.

The Closure Order was granted following persistent reports of anti-social behaviour and suspected drug activity, | Other 3rd Party

placeholder image — The Closure Order was granted following persistent reports of anti-social behaviour and suspected drug activity, | Other 3rd Party

‘People have a right to live their lives in peace’

James Maughan, Head of Public Protection at South Tyneside Council, has urged any residents who have concerns about ASB in their community to report it to the authorities.

He said: "People have a right to live their lives in peace and feel safe in their own homes.

“This Closure Order was granted by the court following concerns about anti-social behaviour and criminal activity linked to the property and the impact it was having on the local residents.

“Closure Orders are only sought after extensive work has been carried out to investigate concerns, gather evidence and consider all available options.

“This involves close working between the Council, Northumbria Police and other partners to determine the most appropriate course of action.

"The Council works closely with Northumbria Police and partners to investigate reports of anti-social behaviour and gather evidence.

“Where appropriate, we can use legal powers such as Closure Orders to help address issues affecting local communities.

"Reports from residents are often key to helping us build evidence and identify patterns of behaviour.

“We would encourage anyone experiencing or witnessing anti-social behaviour to report it, as even incidents that may seem minor can help us identify patterns of behaviour and support future action."

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