Police board up problem address on this Stoke-on-Trent estate

Police have boarded up an address on a Stoke-on-Trent estate - after complaints about 'persistent' anti-social behaviour and drugs issues linked to the problem property. The three-month closure order means the address - on Pinewood Crescent, in Meir - will remain boarded up until 12 August.

Anyone who enters the address without permission from Staffordshire Police or North Staffordshire Justice Centre can be arrested.

PC Naomi Owen, from Staffordshire Police, said: “I hope this outcome provides some reassurance to the local community that we, along with our partners, will take action and use all available powers to address the issues affecting them. Over the last few months, we have received reports of drug use and anti-social behaviour at the address and this has had a detrimental impact on the lives of those living in the area. We have worked with partners in attempts to reduce anti-social behaviour at the address before seeking the closure order. We will continue to carry out enforcement in the area and work alongside the local authority to tackle the issues that matter most to local communities.”

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Stoke-on-Trent City Council has welcomed the latest closure order.

Councillor David Williams, cabinet member for community safety and resilience, said: “Everybody should be able to feel safe in their local area and we are committed to ensuring that we tackle any type of anti-social behaviour swiftly and successfully. Our anti-social behaviour team worked closely with the police on this case to share intelligence and reassure the local community and I’m pleased that we’ve been able to now close the property.

“This isn’t just a one-off. We are on a mission to reclaim our streets and build a safer, stronger and more confident city for everyone. An ever-closer partnership approach which brings together the council, partner agencies and our local communities shows that together we can tackle the root causes of crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour.”

Anyone with any concerns about anti-social behaviour in their community can call the police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.

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