Neighbourhood Policing Team secure extension to Towcester house closure order

21 March 2024

Residents in Towcester are being further protected from drug-related anti-social behaviour after their Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) worked with partners to extend a closure order on a problem property.

Back in December, Northamptonshire Police and West Northamptonshire Council’s (WNC) Anti-Social Behaviour team successfully obtained a three-month closure order to board up a property in Caernarvon Close under Part 4 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.

Reports from residents had highlighted the council-owned property was being used for the supply and use of illegal drugs and attracting persistent anti-social behaviour (ASB), causing alarm and distress to people in the area.

With the original order due to expire on March 7, to guard against the chance of the displaced occupant trying to return officers from Towcester NPT again worked with WNC and Grand Union Housing colleagues to apply for an extension until May 21, 2024.

This was granted on February 22 at Northampton Magistrates’ Court, meaning the only people allowed to enter the property during this time are the emergency services and Grand Union Housing staff. Anyone else who goes inside will be committing a criminal offence and can be arrested.

We’re really pleased to see this extension order granted, as our priority has been to prevent any recurrence of the disorder that was previously associated with this address.

We know how much the local community was affected by this criminality and ASB and it’s great to know that will continue to be prevented by this order.PC Jim King, of Towcester NPT

We take crime and ASB seriously and will always seek to use the appropriate legislation to target those that cause alarm or distress in our communities.

If you suffer ASB issues where you live, please report it so we and our partners can help.Sergeant Wyn Hughes, anti-social behaviour lead at the Force

I am pleased this extension order has been granted as a result of a partnership effort. This closure order demonstrates that we are passionate about listening to residents and creating safer communities, and I strongly urge any victims of anti-social behaviour to report it immediately and not suffer in silence. Anti-social behaviour can have a devastating impact on the lives of victims and as a council we are committed to tackling the growing challenges around this crime. Cllr David Smith, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Engagement, and Regulatory Services

Report non-emergency ASB, crime and suspicious activity by calling 101 or online at Northants Police. In an emergency, always call 999.

Find advice and support on ASB