A Sittingbourne property associated with persistent anti-social behaviour including threats and harassment to neighbours has been issued with a closure order.
Kent Police applied for the order at Sevenoaks’ Magistrates Court, following a lengthy period of complaints linked to a flat in Oak Road, Murston.
Using powers under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, the closure order will last from 26 August until 25 November 2022.
It makes it an offence for anyone to enter the property during this time. Penalties for breaching the order include a fine and up to 51 weeks in prison.
Local officers ensured the housing association-owned property was vacated by its residents and have secured it against any unauthorised entry.
A sign has been placed on the door with a warning that it is an offence to enter.
Intimidation, threats and abuse
PC Jamie Spencer, of the Swale Community Safety Unit, said: ‘We have received repeated calls and concerns about this address over the past 18 months. Residents who live in the road, including families with young children have endured persistent anti-social behaviour, including intimidation, threats and vile verbal abuse.
There have also been frequent complaints around loud music, swearing and multiple bonfires. The property has been visited by officers on several occasions, and prior to the order being made the tenants were given warnings and made subject to strict conditions to address their abhorrent behaviour. Ultimately, they have now been evicted after choosing to ignore these warnings.
These types of issues can make people’s lives a misery and have a devastating and corrosive impact on the local community. I hope that the work undertaken to secure this order, in partnership with Optivo housing association, will help reassure residents that such behaviour will not be tolerated.’