Two houses, reported for repeated drug use and anti-social behaviour have received full closure orders – after causing concerns for vulnerable residents.
Officers from the South Reading Neighbourhood Team successfully applied to a magistrate’s judge for the closure of the properties on Hazel Crescent and Northumberland Avenue.
They appeared at Reading Magistrates Court on March 6 where the orders were granted under Section 80 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Disorder Act 2014.
Police applied for the order against the property following a high level of drug dealing and resulting anti-social behaviour at these addresses.
A full closure order seals up a premises completely, prohibiting any unauthorised persons from entering it for the time listed on the order.
A spokesperson from Thames Valley Police said that both were put in place for the safety of local residents.
Anyone who enters the house will commit an offence and would be liable on summary conviction to imprisonment, a fine, or both.
A partial closure order was also applied for on the same day for a house on Newcastle Road in Reading.
Thames Valley Police were forced to issue a partial closure after the vulnerable resident lost control of the address after being cuckooed by known drug dealers.
The partial closure order prevents anyone other than the specified persons listed on the order from entering the property for three months.
Anyone who enters the house will commit an offence and would be liable on summary conviction to imprisonment, a fine, or both.
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