TWO homes in Wokingham have been closed by the police for anti-social behaviour in a partnership operation with a housing association and the borough council.
Reading Magistrate’s Court granted Thames Valley Police 24-hour closure notices on two properties issued under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.
A 14-day temporary closure order has been served on a property in Longs Way in Norreys and a three-month temporary closure order served on a property in Outfield Crescent, off Wellington Road.
Police were acting on reports of anti-social behaviour and disorder from visitors to both properties and in close co-ordination with Wokingham Borough Council and Sovereign Housing.
PC Maryann Shaw, Anti-social Behaviour Officer for Bracknell and Wokingham LPA, said: “We continue to tackle anti-social behaviour across the local policing area and are very pleased to have secured our first closure orders in Wokingham.
“By working with our partners we are able to identify premises that are causing nuisance or disorder in the local area and deal with them in the most appropriate manner.
“We are aware that the actions taken so far will only tackle some of the overall issues in the vicinity. We will continue to monitor and take further action as necessary to improve the area for the local community. In order for us to do this it is vital that any incidents of anti-social behaviour are reported to us.
“High Visibility patrols and stop checks will continue to take place in the area by the Neighbourhood Police team, please come and have a chat if you see us in the area as we are here to help.”
And Wokingham Borough Council’s executive member for health and wellbeing, Cllr Julian McGhee Sumner, added: “The Council takes action against perpetrators of anti-social behaviour in partnership with Thames Valley Police. For the Police to apply for such an order and for the court to award it demonstrates the serious ongoing issues at these properties.”
The closure orders prevent any person, apart from support agencies and the current residents, from entering or remaining in the premises during that time period. Failure to comply with the order is an offence punishable by a maximum of three months’ imprisonment, a fine or both.
In regard to the closure order served in Outfield Crescent, Rebecca Horne, Anti-Social Behaviour Advisor at Sovereign Housing Association, said: “We are extremely pleased with this result which is a fantastic example of partnership working between Sovereign and Thames Valley Police to close a property which has been causing a severe nuisance to the local community.
“We will continue to monitor this order closely with our partners and will take further joint action if necessary.
“We are grateful to the local residents who stepped forward to provide evidence to us and the Police. Without them, this result would not have been possible.”
Anti-social behaviour can be reported to the police via 101 or, if you would prefer to remain anonymous, you can call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Alternatively you can contact Wokingham Borough Council or, if appropriate, your local housing association.
