A PARTIAL closure order has been issued and ratified for a property in the Ridgegrove Estate area of Launceston.

On Tuesday, December 10, Launceston Neighbourhood Policing Team, working alongside Cornwall Housing Officers and Cornwall Council anti-Social behaviour officers served the partial closure notice on a property on the Ridgegrove Estate.

This has now been ratified by a court decision granting a partial closure order for three months at East Cornwall Magistrates court. This is the culmination of many months of evidence gathering through partnership working and is aimed at reducing the amount of crime and anti-social behaviour linked to the address.

Sector Inspector for Launceston Julian Morris said: “We are aware of the issues that have been raised by the local community and through a collaborative approach we have taken the decision to issue the closure order. There has been a lengthy period of gathering the necessary evidence to progress the application which has been accepted by the court today.

“We would like to send out a firm message to those who allow their premises to be used for criminal and/or anti-social offences that we will not tolerate this behaviour and we will work tirelessly to build a case to enable us close your premises.”

The purpose of the order is to prevent people other than the occupant entering the property for a period of three months. Any breach in this will result in an application for a full closure order which would shut down the property preventing anyone from entering. The order is made under the Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014.

Insp Morris added: “It is an important piece of legislation to support communities who are blighted by individuals and associates intent on disturbing the peace.”

Sarah Dundon from the anti-social behaviour team agreed. She said: “The behaviour escalating from the address was totally unacceptable for local residents who had to endure a constant stream of visitors; many of whom were loud and disruptive as well as witnessing outbursts at the address causing many residents to fear for their safety and make changes to their lifestyle to reduce the impact from such behaviours.

“I accept that many people will have challenging times within their lifetime, which we will work with and assist in finding an alternative lifestyle for them, but to change they must make a commitment to change themselves guided by the many support services in the community. If this support and guidance is ignored we will act accordingly and proportionately in dealing with their behaviour to give confidence to the community by actively supporting those affected.”

Insp Morris continued: “I would like to pay tribute to the hard work of our partner agencies who have worked alongside my team to present this case to the courts and also thank the local community for their patience and assistance in gathering the necessary evidence. These cases take time to develop and I understand there may have been frustrations in the length of time it has taken to get to this point. Judicial processes have to be followed though and it is important that we work together to get it right first time.”

Anyone affected by this type of behaviour is encouraged to report it to the police by calling 101, by email [email protected] or to Cornwall Council on 0300 1234 232. Alternatively they can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.