Property linked to disorder and anti-social behaviour closed down

We have secured a closure order against a property in Bristol due to its ongoing association with serious disorder and anti-social behaviour.

A three-month closure order for a property in Holst Gardens, in Knowle, was granted by Bristol Magistrates’ Court on Thursday 15 October.

Knowle Neighbourhood Policing worked alongside Avon and Somerset Police’s Anti-Social Behaviour Unit and owner Bristol City Council to secure the order by demonstrating the property’s links to criminality and its impact on the wider community.

Magistrates were told about the property’s links to serious disorder and anti-social behaviour, which included an incident where an individual suffered lacerations and other injuries, separate incidents of violence, and criminal damage was also caused to the roof, both internally and externally.

Neighbourhood Sergeant Joe Iles said: “We’ve worked closely with the local community to build a file of evidence, including powerful impact statements from residents about how this disruptive behaviour was impacting on their day-to-day lives.

“We always try to encourage those involved in anti-social behaviour to take up the support that’s available before resorting to such a significant step in closing the property

“But, despite our best efforts, the ongoing impact and the occupiers’ reluctance to change their behaviour compelled us to take this action.

“Residents have already said their quality of life has improved since the closure, and we hope they continue to live with the peace they deserve, especially as we approach the festive period.”

Maxine Twynam, a lawyer who works in our Legal Services Department, said: “We are conscious that anti-social behaviour can have a significant impact on neighbours and the wider community. 

“A closure order will have a positive impact on the people who live within the vicinity of the property that has been closed by the court.  We take such matters extremely seriously, as the people living nearby should be entitled to feel safe where they live.”

Councillor Stephen Williams, Chair of the Public Health and Communities Committee, said: “Everyone deserves to feel safe and secure in their home and neighbourhood. Unfortunately, the persistent anti-social behaviour associated with this property has had a significant negative impact on local residents and the wider community.

“While we always want people to access support where it is available, we must also take action when behaviour causes ongoing harm to others. Through this closure order, I hope we can help restore some much-needed peace of mind for local residents “I would like to thank the residents who came forward to report their concerns, as well as the council officers and Avon and Somerset Police staff who worked together to secure this outcome.”

The closure order was secured under Section 80 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, which could be extended, and anybody who attempts to enter the property will be committing a criminal offence and face arrest.

Officers will continue to carry out reassurance patrols and residents are urged to call 999 if they see anybody attempting to enter the property.