A property in Torquay has been served a closure order after reports from the public of persistent antisocial behaviour (ASB) inside and outside the address.

The Devon & Cornwall Police legal team worked to secure the full closure order, which was granted on Thursday 6 March at an address on East Street (Torre). The order will prevent anyone from entering the address for three months, excluding the landlord.

“Police had received reports of street fighting, suspected drug dealing, shouting throughout the night and even instances of people who were under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol sitting on residents doorsteps.”

“The ASB that local residents were subject to was becoming a huge issue. It had a real impact on their livelihoods and wellbeing,” said Devon & Cornwall Police Legal Advisor Machaela O’Brien, who led on the closure order.

A previous warrant under the Misuse of Drugs Act had been carried out at the address, which located an amount of Class A drugs.

“Closure orders are never our first course of action to prevent ASB and crime taking place at an address. Our local neighbourhood police officers always work closely alongside support services to engage with tenants in an effort to stop the harmful behaviours,” added Machaela.

“However, in situations where issues continue or escalate, it does mean that we need to take further action to keep local people safe. And in this case, the closure order was the next step.”

After the closure order was served, police officers met with the tenant to ensure they had access to necessary support services while the closure order is in place.

“We know that the orders are not a long-term solution to ASB. Officers will continue to engage with the tenants affected to safeguard and deter further offences occurring in the future.

“Thank you to the local community who came forward to report information to us. We are listening to what you’re telling us and taking action to keep you safe. We wouldn’t have been able to secure this outcome without your information.”

If you’re experiencing similar problems or are experiencing any behaviour that causes you distress or has a negative impact on the safety of the community, please report it to the police.

You can report directly on the Devon & Cornwall Police website. If a crime is taking place, call 999.

If you have been affected by crime, please visit victimcare-dc.org to access support services and information on your rights and how to navigate the criminal justice system. You can also call Victim Support on 08 08 16 89 111 or Devon and Cornwall Police’s Victim Care Unit on 01392 475900.