Property boarded up after anti-social behaviour

People have been barred from entering a property in Gateshead for three months

A flat linked with ongoing anti-social behaviour and other suspected criminality has been served with a closure order, police said.

Northumbria Police received a "host of complaints" over the last four months from residents about the property on Beaconsfield Road, in the Low Fell area of Gateshead.

Officers linked a series of suspected crimes to the property, including anti-social behaviour, drugs supply and possession.

The tenant was banned from entering the address and the property has been boarded up to ensure that no-one can gain entry, police said.

'Clear message'

The closure order was heard at Newcastle Crown Court on Thursday 22 February.

It prevents anyone from entering the property for three months, except from employees and agents of the landlord, members of the council or the emergency services.

The property was boarded up on the same day.

Sgt David Lee, of Northumbria Police, said: "We have received numerous reports of activity taking place at this address over recent months and no-one should have to tolerate this kind of behaviour from their neighbours.

"This full closure order would not have been possible without the assistance of local residents, so this shows the value in reporting concerns to police."

Officers worked with representatives from Gateshead Council during legal proceedings, police said.

Councillor Angela Douglas, Chair of the Gateshead Community Safety Board, said: “Everyone has a right to feel safe and secure in their home, and the closure order imposed on this address should send a very clear message to anyone else engaging in anti-social behaviour."